Ask Dr. Copyright

Ask Dr. Copyright is a monthly column that tackles common misconceptions in the areas of intellectual property law especially, copyright.

16May 2019

Ask Dr. Copyright About the “Vessel”

May 16, 2019 Lawrence Husick Ask Dr. Copyright

Dear Doc: The spouse and I recently visited New York City, and while there, we went to see the “Vessel“, which is “an interactive staircase and art installation located at Hudson Yards”. It was interesting, but I felt uneasy because I felt that by going there, I was somehow giving up a lot of my […]

18Apr 2019

Ask Dr. Copyright

April 18, 2019 Lawrence Husick Ask Dr. Copyright, Copyright

Dear Doc: As part of my profession, I often create things that I present to my clients. For example, I may create a floor plan or an interior design drawing. I may create renderings of what a project will look like when completed. I create bills of materials, supplier lists, written specifications, and all sorts […]

21Mar 2019

Ask Dr. Copyright – Locast Avoid Copyright Restriction

March 21, 2019 Lawrence Husick Ask Dr. Copyright

Dear Doc: How ya’ doin? I heard you wuz under da weather! Anyway, if you are feelin’ better, can I get a read on a new TV app called “Locast”? Signed,Vidiot Dear Vidiot: Thanks…the “Doc” is feeling much better and may soon be back in the office. In the meanwhile, the Doc will […]

17Jan 2019

Ask Dr. Copyright — The Public Domain Comes of Age

January 17, 2019 Lawrence Husick Ask Dr. Copyright, Internet Law

Dear Doc: What’s “the public domain”? Why should I care? And why is 1923 an important year? Signed, Nothing Better to do Today Than Worry About Obscure Copyright Law Issues Dear Nothing, &c.: When the drafters of the US Constitution peered into their famous crystal ball (you know, the one that let them […]

20Dec 2018

Ask Dr. Copyright — Can you copyright a flavor?

December 20, 2018 Lawrence Husick Ask Dr. Copyright, Intellectual Property

I’ve read that you can’t copyright a recipe. The US Copyright Office says, “Copyright law does not protect recipes that are mere listings of ingredients. Nor does it protect other mere listings of ingredients such as those found in formulas, compounds, or prescriptions.” On the other hand, I’ve read that some things like colors (pink […]

08Nov 2018

Ask Dr. Copyright – Protection of Characters

November 8, 2018 Lawrence Husick Ask Dr. Copyright

Dear Doc: I know that Mickey Mouse is still enjoying copyright protection because of the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act, and that once copyrights expire, characters become “public domain”. How can you explain some of the direct knockoffs I have seen at the Halloween stores, like “A-Lad-In A Costume?” Signed, Perplexed Papa Dear PP […]

18Oct 2018

Ask Dr. Copyright – Music Modernization Act

October 18, 2018 Lawrence Husick Ask Dr. Copyright, Copyright

Dear Doc: Barry Pincus sang, “I write the songs” back in 1975. (You probably know Barry as Manilow. But Bruce Johnston (of Beach Boys fame) actually wrote “I Write the Songs”, and it was first recorded by The Captain and Tennille (who were more famous for “Muskrat Love” which, it seems, was a favorite of […]

20Sep 2018

Ask Dr. Copyright – Skyline Photography – Recent Case

Dear Doc: I heard that it may not be legal to take a photo of a city skyline, and to use that photo. Or maybe it is. Can you help me to understand what’s going on in the law? Signed, Insel IdimsDear Mr. Idims:You are correct. Two recent cases involving photographs of the Philadelphia and […]

16Aug 2018

Ask Dr. Copyright — Latest Developments in Copyright Law

Dear Doc: What’s new and exciting in the world of copyright law? Signed, Very Bored and Easily Amused Dear Very and Easily: Funny you should ask! There is much to report in the fascinating realm of copyright, as authors and other creative types battle the force of evil to protect their creations (and as their […]

26Jul 2018

Ask Dr. Copyright — Are you a “SuperLawyer”?

Dear Doc, I saw an advertisement in an in-flight magazine that showed the “Top Attorneys”. I’ve seen attorneys who say that they are “SuperLawyers”. I’ve even seen a listing of “America’s Top 100 High Stakes Litigators”. Can there really be so many great lawyers? Signed, Confused Dear Confused: The Doc has long been confused […]

Ask Dr. Copyright

Ask Dr. Copyright About the “Vessel”

Ask Dr. Copyright

Ask Dr. Copyright – Locast Avoid Copyright Restriction

Ask Dr. Copyright — The Public Domain Comes of Age

Ask Dr. Copyright — Can you copyright a flavor?

Ask Dr. Copyright – Protection of Characters

Ask Dr. Copyright – Music Modernization Act

Ask Dr. Copyright – Skyline Photography – Recent Case

Ask Dr. Copyright — Latest Developments in Copyright Law

Ask Dr. Copyright — Are you a “SuperLawyer”?

Contact Adam Garson, Esq.

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