Understanding Copyright and Trademark: A Guide for Creators
Understanding Copyright and Trademark: A Guide for Creators
Blog Article
As a creator—whether you’re an artist, writer, musician, or business owner—protecting your work is important. That’s where copyrights and trademarks come in. But what are they, and why do they matter?
Copyright Protects Original Work
Copyright is a legal way to protect something you’ve made. If you write a book, paint a picture, record a song, or make a video, you automatically own the copyright. This means others can't use your work without your permission. Copyright helps make sure you get credit—and money—for what you create.
Copyright protection lasts a long time—usually your whole life plus 70 years. But just creating something doesn’t always mean you’re safe. Having a copyright attorney can help you officially register your work and take action if someone tries to steal it.
Trademarks Protect Brands
A trademark is different. It protects things like business names, logos, slogans, or symbols that make your brand unique. Think about the Nike swoosh or the McDonald’s golden arches. These are trademarks. They tell people who made a product or service and help them trust it.
If someone tries to use your logo or name to sell their own stuff, it can hurt your business. That’s why registering a trademark is important. It gives you legal power to stop others from copying your brand.
Why You Need a Copyright and Trademark Attorney
You might think you can handle this on your own, but the laws around copyright and trademark are tricky. A copyright and trademark attorney in Orlando, like the team at MC & J Law, PLLC, can make sure your work and brand are fully protected.
They can help you:
Register your copyright or trademark correctly
Respond to people copying your work or brand
Avoid accidentally using someone else’s protected material
Having an attorney saves time, reduces stress, and keeps your creative work safe.
Protect Your Work with MC & J Law, PLLC
At MC & J Law PLLC, we help artists, creators, business owners, and entrepreneurs in Orlando protect what they’ve worked hard to build. If you need help understanding your rights or want to make sure your brand is secure, our copyright and trademark attorneys in Orlando are here for you. Contact us today!