8 COPYRIGHT MYTHS DEBUNKED

Authors Need to Understand Copyright Law to Avoid Unintentional Copyright Infringement The digital landscape has democratized content creation and consumption, but it has also blurred the lines when it comes to understanding copyright law. Many incorrect assumptions arise from the ease with which digital content can be copied and shared, leading to frequent misunderstandings about…

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Dewey Decimal System for Autobiographies & Memoirs

Many of the Manuscripts I review are Memoirs also known as autobiographies.  While most books do not include the Dewey Decimal Classification number on the copyright page, a writer may want to determine the classification and add it to the copyright page or use it in connection with the description of the book. The Dewey…

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Amazon’s New Policy on AI

Amazon recently adopted a new policy regarding books that are created using AI. Here is the policy. Artificial intelligence (AI) content (text, images, or translations) We require you to inform us of AI-generated content (text, images, or translations) when you publish a new book or make edits to and republish an existing book through KDP.…

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The Writer’s Legal GPS

Probably the best book for Writer’s who want to understand the legal aspects of publishing is Matt Knight’s “The Writer’s Legal GPS”.  It is loaded with current and comprehensive information that covers a wide range of topics important to the writer.  It includes an Appendix with forms and an Index. Highly recommend!   Matt’s web page:…

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How to get Copyright Protection for AI Works

HOW TO DETERMINE IF AI-GENERATED WORKS QUALIFY FOR COPYRIGHT PROTECTION, and, IF SO HOW TO FILE A COPYRIGHT APPLICATION FOR AI GENERATED WORKS Introduction The use of sophisticated artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies capable of producing expressive material are quickly developing. These technologies train on vast quantities of preexisting human-authored works and use inferences from that…

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Disclaimers in Non-Fiction or “Based Upon” Books & Films

Disclaimers in Non-Fiction books are standard and sometimes very necessary to limit liability. However, a disclaimer should not be treated as an opportunity to be funny, witty or creative.  Recently, Netflix was sued by the real Rachel Williams, whose real name and alleged real personality and life events were portrayed by Netflix in its show…

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NEW FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAW: CASE ACT

NEW FEDERAL COPYRIGHT LAW: CASE ACT Small claims tribunal for copyright infringement claims On December 27, 2020, the long-awaited CASE Act was signed into law.  It establishes a small claims court for copyright infringement claims under $30,000.  If your book or other creative project has been infringed, you can opt to bring an action before…

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COPYRIGHT LAW OVERVIEW – 1.1

Copyright was important to the founding fathers. Article I, section 8, clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution provides that, “The Congress shall have Power … to promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.” The framers of…

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