Dear Doc: Is the song “This Land is Your Land” in the Public Domain? Signed,A. Singer Dear A: Back in 2004 the website JibJab posted a video in which John Kerry and George W. Bush had a rap-battle to the tune of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.” Kerry called Bush a “right wing nut job” and Bush […]
Ask Dr. Copyright
Ask Dr. Copyright is a monthly column that tackles common misconceptions in the areas of intellectual property law especially, copyright.
Ask Dr. Copyright
March 26, 2020
Ask Dr. Copyright
Dear Doc: The most basic feature of the design of the World Wide Web is the hyperlink, which allows a browser to display elements of content stored on a web server. The great power of the Web is that the content need not be stored on the same server that hosts a page. Displaying content […]
Dear Doc: I hear that in the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (the “Trump Tax Law”) inventors, authors, and other creators of intellectual property got screwed, contrary to the intent of the Founders, as expressed in Art. I, Sec. 8, Cl. 8 of the United States Constitution. What’s up with that? Signed,Screwed-Over Inventor Dear Screwed: Yup! You’re […]
Ask Dr. Copyright
January 23, 2020
Ask Dr. Copyright, Copyright
Dear Doc: I know that you sometimes answer intellectual property questions that are not strictly about copyright, so here’s one for you… I know that folks may register just about any available word as a domain name on the Internet, using one of the many Top Level Domains (TLDs) like .com, .org, or .biz. I also […]
Ask Dr. Copyright – Reversionary Rights
December 26, 2019
Ask Dr. Copyright
Dear Doc: I have a question about reversionary rights in works made for hire under US copyright law. Blah, blah, blah, blah… Signed,Copyright Law Geek Dear CLG: Perhaps a recent announcement will clarify your understanding of this complicated and arcane area of the law… According to recent press reports, Harry Shearer, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean […]
Dear Doc:I heard that it’s now legal to take someone else’s photograph, mess with it, and sell it as your own. That can’t be right, right? Please tell me that the copyright law is not that insane. Signed, Every person who ever took a photo. Dear Every: Yes, I am afraid that copyright […]
Ask Dr. Copyright About Salting
July 18, 2019
Ask Dr. Copyright, Copyright
Dear Doc: My cardiologist says that I need to cut out salt. My copyright lawyer says that salting is useful. What gives? Signed, Patient but Confused Dear PbC: No wonder you’re confused! You think that doctors and lawyers speak the same language?!? The Doc never heard anything so funny! Let’s get this […]
Ask Dr. Copyright About the “Vessel”
May 16, 2019
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 […]
Ask Dr. Copyright
April 18, 2019
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 […]
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 […]