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Austin Copyright Attorneys

Protect your creative work with Rodgers Selvera PLLC. From registration to enforcement, we help artists, innovators, and businesses secure what they create.

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Importance of Copyright Protection

In a digital-first world, your creative work can be copied, shared, or misused in seconds. Sometimes it happens without your knowledge, and often without your permission. If you’re registering original content, enforcing your rights, or responding to an infringement claim, the guidance of an experienced Austin copyright attorney can make all the difference.

At Rodgers Selvera PLLC, we represent artists, entrepreneurs, and businesses across Central Texas. Whether you’re seeking to protect your work or need the support of an Austin copyright violation attorney to respond to a legal threat, we’ll help you navigate the complexities of copyright law with clarity, strategy, and confidence.

What Is a Copyright?

Copyright is a form of legal protection that gives you the exclusive right to control how your original creative work is used. That includes the right to reproduce, license, publish, perform, or display it, and to stop others from copying or profiting from it without your permission.

You don’t have to register your work to have copyright protection, it applies automatically as soon as your original work is fixed in a tangible form. That could be a song, a story, a video, a photo, a painting, software code, or digital content of almost any kind.

Our typical clients include:

  • Authors and Publishers: Books, blogs, scripts, or articles
  • Musicians and Producers: Compositions, recordings, or other music and sound
  • Filmmakers and Visual Storytellers: Films, videos, and streaming content
  • Software Developers and Tech Startups: Apps, tools, and digital platforms
  • Visual Artists and Photographers: Illustrations, paintings, sculptures, or photos
  • Media Companies and Agencies: Content across websites, ads, and platforms
  • Choreographers and Performers: Original performances and stage works

Why and How Copyright Protection Matters in Austin

While copyright law is primarily governed by federal law, effective copyright attorneys must also consider Texas state laws, especially when it comes to contracts, licensing, and business operations. And in Austin’s creative and tech-driven economy, your intellectual property is more than passion, it’s an asset.

Registering your copyright gives you the legal leverage to enforce your rights, claim damages, and deter infringement. It also simplifies licensing, collaboration, and contract negotiations.

On the flip side, if someone accuses you of infringement, you’ll want experienced legal counsel on your side right away. These cases move quickly, and early action can be the difference between a private resolution and a very public problem.

Austin Copyright Attorney Services We Provide

At Rodgers Selvera PLLC, we provide strategic, end-to-end support for creative professionals, startups, and growing businesses. Our services cover everything from protecting your rights to resolving disputes both online and off.

Registration and Ownership

  • Copyright registration with the U.S. Copyright Office
  • Work-for-hire agreements and authorship contracts
  • Copyright assignments and transfers
  • Portfolio audits and rights management

Licensing & Contracts

  • Licensing agreements for use, distribution, and collaboration
  • Creative Commons and fair use guidance
  • Split sheets for co-authors, musicians, or creative teams
  • Pre-publication legal review for high-risk or high-visibility content

Enforcement & Disputes

  • DMCA takedown notices and responses
  • Cease-and-desist letters and enforcement actions
  • Infringement defense and federal copyright litigation
  • Copyright Claims Board (CCB) representation

Emerging Issues

  • Copyright issues related to AI-generated content
  • Ownership and licensing of NFTs and digital assets
  • Online platform and content moderation disputes

Get a Consultation with an Austin Copyright Attorney

At Rodgers Selvera PLLC, we combine deep knowledge of federal copyright law with a grounded understanding of Austin’s creative, tech, and entrepreneurial communities. We’ve represented artists, musicians, startups, developers, agencies, and independent artists who have varying needs, timelines, and goals.

When you work with us, you get clear communication, creative-friendly legal strategy, and discreet, efficient representation for your situation. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Confidential Consultation: We start with a private, no-pressure conversation about your work, concerns, and goals.
  • Legal Review and Strategy: We evaluate the facts, identify legal risks and opportunities, and develop a plan based on your specific copyright issue. No one-size-fits-all approach here.
  • Targeted Legal Action: Depending on your case, we may register your copyright, draft or review licensing agreements, send a cease-and-desist, file a DMCA takedown notice, or defend against an infringement claim.
  • Resolution: Whether through negotiation, settlement, or litigation, we aim to resolve your matter efficiently and discreetly so you can get back to your priorities.

Schedule your consultation today and let’s talk about how to protect what you’ve built.

FAQ

Austin, TX Copyright Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between copyright and trademark?

Copyright protects original creative works like music, writing, software, and visual art. Trademark protects brand identifiers like names, logos, and slogans used in commerce. We can help you determine which protection applies to your situation or even if you need both.

What is the duration of copyright protection?

In most cases, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works made for hire or published anonymously, the term is typically 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever comes first.

How do I know if someone has infringed on my copyright?

If someone uses your original work without permission by copying, distributing, performing, displaying, or adapting it, then you may have a case. We can help you investigate, confirm infringement, and take appropriate legal steps.

What are the potential remedies for copyright infringement?

You may be entitled to actual damages, lost profits, injunctions (to stop the unauthorized use), and in some cases, reimbursement of legal fees. Statutory damages typically range from $750 to $30,000 per work and up to $150,000 per work if the infringement is willful.

Do I need to register my copyright to take legal action?

Yes. Registration is required before you can file a lawsuit in federal court. The good news: you can still register after the infringement occurs, and we can help streamline the process.

Can I be sued even if I didn’t know I was infringing?

Yes. Copyright infringement doesn’t require intent, and you can be sued even if it was unintentional. However, if you’ve been wrongly accused or didn’t realize you were infringing, we can help you with your legal defense.

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