Welcome All!
Hold on tight in 2012 - with the New America Invents Act in effect for patent law and continual copyright and digital laws being presented it promises to be a bumpy and fast ride!
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Copyrights - The Hot Topic
Many of you are probably taking a look at our blog due to the recent Associated Press article regarding copyrights and crafters. In the world of re-use and recycle, the issue of what can a person use or not use continues to be a "hot topic."
Just to clarify something that was in the article - a few times the word "ideas" was used. While an idea in the purest form is protected under patent law and NOT copyright law, it is my hope that the reader will understand what the outstanding reporter, Amy McCoy of the Des Moines Register was trying to say. Idea can be interchanged with "works" or independent, creative works of authorship.
At the end of the day, it is up to each individual to truly "police" his or herself. It is also important that we, as an artistic or creative community - which include both artists and manufacturers - work together and communicate.
We welcome your comments about the subject of copyrights, the articles, etc. And I PROMISE to blog more. You see, I have that promise a few times on this blog but hope springs eternal!
Just to clarify something that was in the article - a few times the word "ideas" was used. While an idea in the purest form is protected under patent law and NOT copyright law, it is my hope that the reader will understand what the outstanding reporter, Amy McCoy of the Des Moines Register was trying to say. Idea can be interchanged with "works" or independent, creative works of authorship.
At the end of the day, it is up to each individual to truly "police" his or herself. It is also important that we, as an artistic or creative community - which include both artists and manufacturers - work together and communicate.
We welcome your comments about the subject of copyrights, the articles, etc. And I PROMISE to blog more. You see, I have that promise a few times on this blog but hope springs eternal!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Copyright Registrations
Happy Spring!
If you are reading this post, I am probably "preaching" to the choir. However, I cannot emphasize the importance of copyright registration in protecting your rights or even establishing them.
The new online US Copyright Registration System makes registration painless and quick. I have even considered breaking my own rules and offering a few tele-seminars or online classes on how to use it so that more people and companies will take advantage of this important tool.
I usually equate copyright registration to an approximate $35 insurance policy. SHOULD something go wrong and someone takes your work, it allows you to be able to collect attorneys' fees, enhanced damages, and the like. There are deadlines for these benefits, but they are well worth it. Also, it is important to have the registration completed should one need to immediately enforce their copyrights. Currently, a special handling for the US Copyright Office is $760 versus $35?! WOW!
Contact your favorite Intellectual Property Attorney today to set up a registration plan, visit the US Copyright Office and familiarize yourself with the requirements, talk to your friends....do whatever it takes.
Sorry to be on my soapbox today and usually we are a little more informative but this is a "friendly reminder." Now back to our regularly scheduled programming....
Tammy L. Browning-Smith, J.D., LL.M
Browning-Smith P.C.
If you are reading this post, I am probably "preaching" to the choir. However, I cannot emphasize the importance of copyright registration in protecting your rights or even establishing them.
The new online US Copyright Registration System makes registration painless and quick. I have even considered breaking my own rules and offering a few tele-seminars or online classes on how to use it so that more people and companies will take advantage of this important tool.
I usually equate copyright registration to an approximate $35 insurance policy. SHOULD something go wrong and someone takes your work, it allows you to be able to collect attorneys' fees, enhanced damages, and the like. There are deadlines for these benefits, but they are well worth it. Also, it is important to have the registration completed should one need to immediately enforce their copyrights. Currently, a special handling for the US Copyright Office is $760 versus $35?! WOW!
Contact your favorite Intellectual Property Attorney today to set up a registration plan, visit the US Copyright Office and familiarize yourself with the requirements, talk to your friends....do whatever it takes.
Sorry to be on my soapbox today and usually we are a little more informative but this is a "friendly reminder." Now back to our regularly scheduled programming....
Tammy L. Browning-Smith, J.D., LL.M
Browning-Smith P.C.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Orphan Works - Make Your Voice Heard
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Even though the blog is updated sporadically, we have multitudes of followers. Thank you for your loyalty!
The US Government is asking for your input, insight, and feedback regarding Orphan Works. We have known for some time that SOMETHING was going to have to happen...well...it appears as if everyone on all sides are trying to attempt to make it look at least a little fair.
Anytime comments are solicited from a federal agency and it affects your livelihood, we encourage you to participate. Rest assured, in the upcoming days, you will find our response on this call for comments. Please feel free to post your comments, letters, etc. to this post.
All comments must be submitted by Wednesday, March 24 by 5:00 p.m. EST.
Please read below and we'll do our best here to keep you up to date!
One Voice DOES Make a Difference!
Tammy L. Browning-Smith
Last year President Obama appointed and the U.S. Senate confirmed Victoria Espinel to be the first U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator. Her job is "to help protect the creativity of the American public" by coordinating with all the federal agencies that fight the infringement of intellectual property, which includes creating and selling counterfeit goods; pirating video games, music, and books; and infringing upon the many other creative works that are produced by artists in this country.
As you know, the unauthorized copying, sale, and distribution of artists' intellectual property directly impact the ability of artists and creators to control the use of their own creativity, not to mention their ability to receive income they have earned from their labor. This impacts U.S. employment and the economy, and our ability to globally compete.
As required by an Act of Congress (The PRO-IP Act of 2008), Ms. Espinel and her White House team are preparing a Joint Strategic Plan that will include YOUR FEEDBACK on the costs and risks that intellectual property infringement has on the American public.
Here's how to make yourself heard!
1. Send an email to Ms. Espinel and the Obama Administration: intellectualproperty@omb.eop.gov2.
2. Include in your email: your story, why intellectual property rights are important to you, how piracy and infringement affect you, and what the U.S. government can do to better protect the rights of creative Americans.
3. Also include in your email: your name, city, state, and what type of artist you are.
4. DO NOT include any personal or private information as all comments will be posted publically on the White House website.
All comments must be submitted by Wednesday, March 24 by 5:00 p.m. EST.
(From the Copyright Alliance)
Even though the blog is updated sporadically, we have multitudes of followers. Thank you for your loyalty!
The US Government is asking for your input, insight, and feedback regarding Orphan Works. We have known for some time that SOMETHING was going to have to happen...well...it appears as if everyone on all sides are trying to attempt to make it look at least a little fair.
Anytime comments are solicited from a federal agency and it affects your livelihood, we encourage you to participate. Rest assured, in the upcoming days, you will find our response on this call for comments. Please feel free to post your comments, letters, etc. to this post.
All comments must be submitted by Wednesday, March 24 by 5:00 p.m. EST.
Please read below and we'll do our best here to keep you up to date!
One Voice DOES Make a Difference!
Tammy L. Browning-Smith
Last year President Obama appointed and the U.S. Senate confirmed Victoria Espinel to be the first U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator. Her job is "to help protect the creativity of the American public" by coordinating with all the federal agencies that fight the infringement of intellectual property, which includes creating and selling counterfeit goods; pirating video games, music, and books; and infringing upon the many other creative works that are produced by artists in this country.
As you know, the unauthorized copying, sale, and distribution of artists' intellectual property directly impact the ability of artists and creators to control the use of their own creativity, not to mention their ability to receive income they have earned from their labor. This impacts U.S. employment and the economy, and our ability to globally compete.
As required by an Act of Congress (The PRO-IP Act of 2008), Ms. Espinel and her White House team are preparing a Joint Strategic Plan that will include YOUR FEEDBACK on the costs and risks that intellectual property infringement has on the American public.
Here's how to make yourself heard!
1. Send an email to Ms. Espinel and the Obama Administration: intellectualproperty@omb.eop.gov2.
2. Include in your email: your story, why intellectual property rights are important to you, how piracy and infringement affect you, and what the U.S. government can do to better protect the rights of creative Americans.
3. Also include in your email: your name, city, state, and what type of artist you are.
4. DO NOT include any personal or private information as all comments will be posted publically on the White House website.
All comments must be submitted by Wednesday, March 24 by 5:00 p.m. EST.
(From the Copyright Alliance)
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Strangers!
Greetings! We've been long lost strangers and we hope to rectify that!
'Tis the tradeshow season. May just returned from Surtex and are getting ready to head to the Licensing Show. I heard a wonderful comment from Ketra Oberlander from Art of Possibilities when she said: "I'll know in October if it was a good show or not." How right she is.
We're just touching base with all of you and reminding you to follow up. Right now, the most important thing is to FOLLOW UP and set your base of support in place. We've been receiving calls from some asking what to do next. There are lots of agreements that can be drafted, but it is best to put your energy on landing the deal, registering your copyrights, and making sure if you are showing any ideas...you have them protected.
Keep up the great work and sorry for being such a stranger!
Tammy
Tammy L. Browning-Smith, P.C.
'Tis the tradeshow season. May just returned from Surtex and are getting ready to head to the Licensing Show. I heard a wonderful comment from Ketra Oberlander from Art of Possibilities when she said: "I'll know in October if it was a good show or not." How right she is.
We're just touching base with all of you and reminding you to follow up. Right now, the most important thing is to FOLLOW UP and set your base of support in place. We've been receiving calls from some asking what to do next. There are lots of agreements that can be drafted, but it is best to put your energy on landing the deal, registering your copyrights, and making sure if you are showing any ideas...you have them protected.
Keep up the great work and sorry for being such a stranger!
Tammy
Tammy L. Browning-Smith, P.C.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Opportunities in the New Year
Happy New Year One and All!
I hope this finds you all enjoying a joyous holiday season and relaxing for a busy new 2009!
First question on most of your minds...What is going on with Orphan Works? It died when the Legislative Session ended in 2008. HOWEVER, January 8th is just around the corner. That is the start of the new Legislative Session. Rumors are swirling that new Orphan Works legislation will be forthcoming. HOWEVER, we firmly believe that the message has finally gotten to all sides of the issue that the visual arts community is not going away and needs a seat at the table. We stand ready, wiling, and able to help bring forth solutions to solving a problem, while balancing the interests of those who make their living from their work.
The Craft and Hobby Association Winter Show is quickly approaching January 24-28th in Anaheim. The focus will be on "Green" opportunities in the craft industry and an expanded Licensing and Design Section will be forthcoming. If you are interested in licensing...this is a GREAT place to be, network, find artists, find opportunities, and be part of a 30 plus Billion Dollar a year organization.
I am proud to announce that I will be speaking on International Law issues on January 25th. It promises to be full of tips and tricks for successful international relationships. Our firm is constantly fielding questions regarding the "ins and outs" of working across borders. The seminar will be from both a US perspective and an International Perspective. It promises to be full of information...that is for sure. There is so much to put in just 1 hour of time!
The second item that we will be participating in is a "consulting series." This is basically a one on one with me for a 1/2 hr. The sessions will be for educational purposes only, but will give participants an idea of where to go and what type of resources they may need to look for. There are several different professionals sharing their time...it promises to be great!
I speak throughout the year and this is one of my most enjoyable and busiest venues. CHA has made it possible to attend many different seminars at a reasonable prices and have a special express pass for a fixed fee ($50???) that allows you to attend many different seminars. It is a GREAT deal.
Here's to a Create New Year (and hopefully more posts from me!)
Create with your Heart and Your Head!
Tammy
I hope this finds you all enjoying a joyous holiday season and relaxing for a busy new 2009!
First question on most of your minds...What is going on with Orphan Works? It died when the Legislative Session ended in 2008. HOWEVER, January 8th is just around the corner. That is the start of the new Legislative Session. Rumors are swirling that new Orphan Works legislation will be forthcoming. HOWEVER, we firmly believe that the message has finally gotten to all sides of the issue that the visual arts community is not going away and needs a seat at the table. We stand ready, wiling, and able to help bring forth solutions to solving a problem, while balancing the interests of those who make their living from their work.
The Craft and Hobby Association Winter Show is quickly approaching January 24-28th in Anaheim. The focus will be on "Green" opportunities in the craft industry and an expanded Licensing and Design Section will be forthcoming. If you are interested in licensing...this is a GREAT place to be, network, find artists, find opportunities, and be part of a 30 plus Billion Dollar a year organization.
I am proud to announce that I will be speaking on International Law issues on January 25th. It promises to be full of tips and tricks for successful international relationships. Our firm is constantly fielding questions regarding the "ins and outs" of working across borders. The seminar will be from both a US perspective and an International Perspective. It promises to be full of information...that is for sure. There is so much to put in just 1 hour of time!
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | |
Creating Successful International Relationships Business Seminar S114 | |
| Speaker: Tammy Browning-Smith Room 207A The World is getting smaller. Today a business must work across international borders to succeed, but often face complicated legal and communication issues to make these deals a reality. Tammy Browning-Smith works extensively with international relationships, she can break it down and show you how! This seminar, for both US and International Attendees, will focus on issues that international business deals must consider to make their relationship a success, including: • Different Laws, Taxes, and Customs across the Globe • Protecting Your Ideas and Products across borders • Hints & Helps for Greater Profitability Plus…all attendees will leave with an International Resource Guide for further research. | |
The second item that we will be participating in is a "consulting series." This is basically a one on one with me for a 1/2 hr. The sessions will be for educational purposes only, but will give participants an idea of where to go and what type of resources they may need to look for. There are several different professionals sharing their time...it promises to be great!
I speak throughout the year and this is one of my most enjoyable and busiest venues. CHA has made it possible to attend many different seminars at a reasonable prices and have a special express pass for a fixed fee ($50???) that allows you to attend many different seminars. It is a GREAT deal.
Here's to a Create New Year (and hopefully more posts from me!)
Create with your Heart and Your Head!
Tammy
Thursday, October 2, 2008
URGENT ORPHAN WORKS UPDATE!!!
Greetings All!
I know it has been a while, but we thought we were done with Orphan Works for the session and then we would get to come to the table to create a working solution. I have to report that this is trying to literally be passed in the middle of the night. The Senate passed a version of Orphan Works and now the House is trying to do the same.
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSPERSON NOW!
TELL THEM NOT TO ADOPT S.2913 OR HR 5889
They are trying to move Orphan Works tonight Oct 2 or tomorrow morning!!!
http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/issues/alert/?alertid=11980321
Please help us stop Senate Bill 2913 and House Bill 5889 by CONTACTING your Members of CONGRESS and telling them to vote NO.
Call Congress For Free: 1- 800-828-0498.
For Background info on Orphan Works Legislation:
http://www.artistsfoundation.org/orphan.html
I know it has been a while, but we thought we were done with Orphan Works for the session and then we would get to come to the table to create a working solution. I have to report that this is trying to literally be passed in the middle of the night. The Senate passed a version of Orphan Works and now the House is trying to do the same.
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSPERSON NOW!
TELL THEM NOT TO ADOPT S.2913 OR HR 5889
They are trying to move Orphan Works tonight Oct 2 or tomorrow morning!!!
http://capwiz.com/illustratorspartnership/issues/alert/?alertid=11980321
Please help us stop Senate Bill 2913 and House Bill 5889 by CONTACTING your Members of CONGRESS and telling them to vote NO.
Call Congress For Free: 1- 800-828-0498.
For Background info on Orphan Works Legislation:
http://www.artistsfoundation.org/orphan.html
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