Copyrights and Corporate Counsel | Cartee, LC

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Copyrights

With an office founded by creatives, we understand the legal concerns of those in the arts. Whether you are a starving artist or an established orchestra, we are here to protect your creativity through copyrights.

Why Us? Creative Backgrounds. Creative Solutions.

Copyrights exist upon creation of a creative work; however, it is a “right” that really cannot be enforced until a federal registration is secured. Once secured, your creative work can become an extremely valuable asset. Our office works with artists and businesses in developing and protecting the creative works of our clients. We have represented everyone from the solitary author to the commercial designer whose unique graphic designs adorn customized vehicles. With our experience and understanding of copyrights, and the corollary issues that come with it, we can provide a clear path forward for you and your business.

Copyright Acquisition and Advisement
Copyright Licensing
Consignment and Artist’s Rights
Rights of Publicity and Use of Name and Likeness
Copyright Disputes and Infringement
- See Business Litigation

Corporate Counsel

It is always better to have a doctor before you have a health problem. The same is true with legal counsel. We offer monthly general counsel services, Let us take care of your legal needs, so you can focus on building your business.

Why Us? We Give You Piece of Mind

We advise start-up endeavors to mid-size companies with their general business needs. From formation to dissolution, we are experienced enough to guide your company through the plethora of legal concerns a corporation can face. Whether a capital raise is sought or if you need a relentless negotiator for a secured transaction, we provide diligent and focused counsel so you can rest at ease, with your legal concerns, and concentrate on seeing your business thrive.

“After all, the chief business of the American people is business. They are profoundly concerned with producing, buying, selling, investing and prospering in the world.” —President Calvin Coolidge, 1925.

Corporate Formation and Formalities
Licensing and Contracts
Business Acquisitions and Buy-Sell Agreements
Corporate Dissolution
Corporate Disputes
- See Business Litigation

FAQs

My partner is leaving the partnership. How can we ensure a clean break?

Hopefully, a written partnership agreement was prepared at the time you established the business partnership. If you have a partnership agreement, the terms of the contract will likely dictate most of the terms of separation. However, it is still a good idea to negotiate a separation agreement that more precisely defines your needs such as how and when assets will be delivered or obligations will be paid. If the partnership is being dissolved without an agreement, then you will need to negotiate the terms of the dissolution. Things to consider include how and when your partner’s name will be removed from contracts, leases, assets, etc. and who is responsible for outstanding taxes or other debts and how those will be paid. These are only two of many issues to consider. With that said, it would be advisable to consult an attorney to help craft a strategy for the dissolution of a partnership, especially if there is no written agreement. To help you protect your interests, please feel free to ask us about your potential partnership dissolution.

What’s best for me, an LLC or a corporation?

This answer will vary depending on your personal goals and circumstances for your business. There are many differences between the two business types. For example, the Internal Revenue Service does not view an LLC as a separate vehicle for tax purposes, which allows for greater flexibility and members can choose how they are taxed. On the other hand, corporations offer more flexibility when it comes to their excess profits. These are only two of many differences between the two entities. Therefore, it is important to sit down to look at the benefits and disadvantage of both to see which one would be best suitable for your business. Other key factors to consider include but are not limited to tax implications, requirements of the administration, ease of operation, liability protection, and the sharing of profits. At AC Legal, we are familiar with such distinctions and we would be happy to assist you to find what is most appropriate for your business.

I found someone using my art. Can I sue them?

Yes, copyright is a form of protection grounded in the U.S. Constitution and granted for original works fixed in a tangible medium of expression. 17 U.S. Code § 102. Therefore, your art is under copyright protection the moment it is created. However, you will have to register with the U.S. Copyright Office if you wish to bring a lawsuit for copyright infringement of your art work, assuming it is a U.S. work.

I created a work and now my company is using it with my permission. Who owns it?

This depends. If your work was created in the course of your employment, your employer will likely have copyright ownership. If you are an independent contractor and possibly signed a written agreement stating the work shall be "made for hire," your company will own the copyright if one of several conditions are met; for example, if your work is a part of a larger literary work, such as an article in a magazine or audiovisual work such as a screenplay under such an agreement, your company would own the copyright. If you, the creator, have sold the entire copyright, the purchasing business or person would become the rightful copyright owner. However, if you simply permitted your employer to use your work that you have not created in the course of employment, you would still be entitled to copyright ownership of your work. The Copyright Act gives significant rights and powers to copyright holders, particularly when the copyright is registered with the U.S. Copyright Office, a step that confers certain additional legal protections on top of the right to bring an infringement action to court. See 17 U.S. Code § 106.

Benefits of Choosing Cartee, LC

Local, but Global

Based in Orange County, California, we provide counsel and appear in courts throughout Southern California. Our clients, however, are located throughout the world. No matter where you are from, we will provide you the same counsel and diligence that your company requires.

Unique

With a background in creative arts, and legal experience from both sides of the courtroom, we are uniquely positioned to help you navigate your legal issues. While all firms say they are client-focused, not as many let you text their attorneys or just chat with them when things just don’t make sense. Though we do care for our clients, we are results-focused, and we offer candid advice on how to achieve your best outcome.

Resolute

Diligence, experience, and credibility are the keys to winning in court. It makes sense then that our office focuses on these values as we handle your litigation matters. We offer blunt, honest advocacy for a fraction of the price one would pay a big firm for the same outcome. If your business needs a powerful and relentless advocate, we are happy to talk to you and see if we might be of service.

Legal Expertise. Genuine Explanations.

Need a faster response?

(714) 942-2225 · inquiries@ac-legal.com

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