All posts by: Adam Garson

You may already know by reading this newsletter that utilitarian objects are typically not protected by copyright law.  Fashion designs are but one controversial example.  Here’s a little more history.  In the 1950’s, the Supreme Court of the United States in Mazer v. Stein, held that statuettes incorporated into lamps – unarguably utilitarian objects –  […]

It’s been decades since the British Invasion and believe it or not, the Beatles are still releasing music.  Well, it’s not “new” music but familiar tracks, which had not seen the light of day (although many have been available for years as bootlegs).  These include four extra versions of “She Loves You,” five versions of […]

In February of this year, the Center For Copyright Information (CCI) — a group representing rights holders in the media industries — began a so-called “six-strikes” educational campaign to combat Internet piracy.  Leading Internet Service Providers  (ISP) — Verizon, Time Warner, Cablevision, Comcast and AT&T — are taking part. Here’s how it works.  When it […]

Imagine how surprised some photographers are when we tell them  that the government fee for registering the copyrights of a complete photo shoot — comprising hundreds of photographs — is only $35.00 if you do it online.  It seems like nothing the government charges these days is only $35.00!  It represents one of the best […]