Copyrights

Members of Wildman Harrold’s Copyright Practice possess extensive experience in all aspects of the complex nature of copyright law throughout the world. Meaningful application of this knowledge begins with identifying when copyright protection is available for the myriad forms of expression that constitute copyrightable works, including packaging, advertising, software, website pages, data compilations, technical drawings, and product designs. Knowing how to perfect these rights and work with the requirements and limitations regarding their acquisition and licensing around the world are additional critical skills of our Copyright Practice. We are experienced in copyright transactions varying from a single issue in a single jurisdiction, such as a simple license, to the most complex, multinational, enterprise-level acquisition in which copyrights are key assets critical to the deal. When necessary, these skills supplement the group’s litigation experience in handling both straightforward and complex copyright infringement actions in court. We counsel our clients on copyright protection and litigation avoidance; best procedures and methods for developing, protecting and licensing software; and identifying potential copyright candidates in intellectual property portfolios.

• Represented client in copyright infringement action pending in the Eastern District of Virginia involving protection of stylized design transfers; after the parties agreed to a settlement, our client sought court enforcement and obtained a consent judgment
• Represented plaintiff cabinet manufacturer in copyright infringement and unfair competition action in Eastern District of Missouri against a competitor that copies plaintiff’s copyrighted photos of its cabinets and included the pirated pictures in its own catalog
• Represented defendant in a copyright, trade secret, and breach of contract action concerning software use by retailers as an auditing tool
• Represent authors and publishers in all aspects of creation, distribution and exploitation of copyrighted works