Copyright

Protecting Original Creative Works & Digital Content

Original creative works — including written materials, marketing content, photographs, videos, software code, designs, architectural works and plans, and digital media — are valuable business assets. Copyright law protects these works from unauthorized reproduction, distribution, public display, and derivative use.

Bean, Kinney & Korman provides strategic copyright counseling and representation to businesses, nonprofits, creators, and entrepreneurs throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, D.C. region. We assist clients with copyright registration, ownership structuring, licensing agreements, and enforcement against infringement.

Copyright Services

Copyright Registration

Preparation and filing of applications with the U.S. Copyright Office
Strategic timing of registration
Group registration for published works
Supplementary registration and correction filings

Federal registration strengthens enforcement rights and allows recovery of statutory damages and attorneys’ fees in infringement cases.

Ownership & Work-for-Hire Analysis

Evaluation of authorship and ownership rights
Work-for-hire agreement drafting
Contractor and employee IP assignment agreements
Joint authorship risk assessment

Clear ownership documentation prevents costly disputes.

Copyright Licensing & Monetization

Licensing agreements for creative content
Software and digital content licensing
Publishing and distribution agreements
Content usage permissions and releases

Proper licensing allows businesses to monetize intellectual property while maintaining control.

Copyright Enforcement & Defense

Cease-and-desist correspondence
DMCA takedown notices
Litigation support for infringement claims
Defense against unauthorized use allegations

We pursue efficient enforcement strategies aligned with business priorities.

Digital Content & Online Protection

Website and marketing content protection
Social media content misuse response
Unauthorized reproduction analysis
Content protection audits

Digital-first businesses require proactive copyright protection.

Who We Represent

Our Copyright practice serves:

Content creators and entrepreneurs
Marketing and media-driven businesses
Technology and software companies
Nonprofit and advocacy organizations
Professional service firms
Franchise systems and brand owners
Retail and e-commerce operators

We tailor protection strategies to the scale and commercial objectives of each client.

Industries Served

We advise clients in industries where original content is central to operations, including:

Media and publishing
Technology and SaaS platforms
Marketing and advertising
Professional and consulting services
Healthcare communications
Government contractors producing deliverables
Education and training organizations
Retail and e-commerce

Industry context informs licensing strategy and enforcement risk.

What does copyright protect?

Copyright protects original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression — including text, photographs, videos, music, artwork, and software code. It does not protect ideas, procedures, or functional concepts.

Do I need to register a copyright?

Copyright protection arises automatically upon creation, but federal registration provides significant legal advantages — including the ability to sue for infringement and potentially recover statutory damages and attorneys’ fees.

What is a “work made for hire”?

A work made for hire is created by an employee within the scope of employment or, with respect to certain types of works, by an independent contractor under a properly drafted written agreement. Without proper documentation, ownership disputes can arise.

How do DMCA takedown notices work?

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) allows copyright holders to request removal of infringing content from online platforms. Properly structured takedown notices can result in swift removal of unauthorized material.

Can copyright disputes be resolved without litigation?

Yes. Many copyright disputes are resolved through cease-and-desist letters, negotiated settlements, or licensing agreements. The Copyright Office also offers dispute assistance for smaller claims (up to $30,000) through its Copyright Claims Board (CCB). Federal court litigation is pursued when necessary to protect rights and deter infringement.