Copyright Registration Applications

Protecting Your Creative Works

The Dallas-based law office of Gagnon, Peacock & Vereeke, P.C., represents writers, musicians, filmmakers, and other individuals who are seeking a copyright for their creative works. We assist with both the filing and registration of copyrights.

To speak to a lawyer about protecting your intellectual property, please contact us online today.

Do I Need a Copyright Registration Attorney?

The copyright registration process is one that is much easier to navigate with knowledgeable counsel at your side advocating for you. There may be unexpected pitfalls that prevent you from achieving your desired outcome. For example, it is of critical importance that the United States Copyright Office receives all required information. An attorney will ensure that this process is completed smoothly.

Although you may be tempted to register for copyright protection on your own, the best course is to retain a lawyer to assist you so that you do not face delays or obstacles in obtaining the advantages of copyright registration. An experienced attorney is your best bet to achieving the peace of mind that copyright registration can give you.

Why Choose Gagnon, Peacock & Vereeke, P.C. to Handle My Matter?

Choosing a lawyer to represent you is a highly personal matter. At Gagnon, Peacock & Vereeke, P.C., we are devoted to understanding the unique circumstances our clients find themselves in and taking care of their needs on an individual level. We have spent decades assisting people throughout the region and we make it a priority to effectively communicate with you throughout your case.

Firm founders Jack B. Peacock, Jr. and Doli G. Gagnon founded Gagnon, Peacock & Vereeke, P.C. over thirty years ago to assist people in their community. When it comes to the business needs of individuals and companies, the attorneys at Gagnon, Peacock & Vereeke, P.C. always want to see their clients succeed. Attorney Aaron Peacock is a USPTO patent attorney and the remainder of the attorneys at the firm are highly experienced in intellectual property matters, including copyright protection. You can count on us to deliver the results you are looking for.

We are proud to offer a free, confidential consultation so that we can understand your needs more thoroughly. After we consider the specific facts of your case, we will be better equipped to advise you of your options and the best course of action to take.

Our Copyright Practice

Copyright arises automatically when a work is created, so what is the benefit of obtaining copyright protection through registration with the U.S. Copyright Office? Obtaining copyright registration is a legal formality that entitles you to greater protection than you might otherwise have. This is accomplished through the following benefits:

• A registered copyright makes a public record of your claim to copyright. This means that the public is put on notice of your copyright and should be deterred further from using your work without permission than if you were not registered.
• If your work was created in the United States, your copyright must be registered before you can bring a lawsuit for infringement against someone who wrongfully used your work.
• If you file for copyright registration within three months of publishing the work or before anyone infringes on your rights, you can seek repayment for attorney fees in any lawsuit that becomes necessary. Otherwise, you would be limited to your actual damages suffered when bringing an infringement lawsuit.
• If you file for copyright registration within five years of the work’s publication, it establishes the validity of the copyright as stated in the copyright certificate. This means that in a lawsuit, these facts could not be challenged.
• A registered copyright can also be registered with the United States Customs and Border Protection to guard against the importation of an infringing copy of your work.

The length of time that your copyright protection is good for depends on when the work was created. The following time periods apply based on the date of creation:

• Works published from 1922 through 1963: The work received 28 years of copyright protection, which could be extended for an additional 67 years during the 28th year.
• Works published from 1964 through 1978: These works received 28 years of copyright protection and an automatic renewal of 67 years.
• Works created on or after January 1, 1978 the present: If there is one author, copyright protection exists for the life of the author plus 70 years. For joint authors, it is the life of the last surviving author plus 70 years.

Our Dallas copyright attorneys can assist you with an initial copyright application and registration process before the U.S. Copyright Office. We assist clients by:

• Preparing and filing copyright applications
• Responding to all communications from the U.S. Copyright Office

No matter what type of creative work you are seeking to protect — a literary work, musical work, sound recording or motion picture — we will prepare and file all the required paperwork and act as your advocate in all proceedings involved in the process.

Has another person or party infringed on your copyright? If your work has been used in an unauthorized way, you may be entitled to damages. At Gagnon, Peacock & Vereeke, P.C., we can help you explore your legal options and represent you in copyright infringement litigation.

Free Consultation: Contact a Copyright Application Attorney

When you have created a work of art, written work, or other item that can be copyrighted, you want to protect it as much as possible. We are here to assist you in achieving this goal. For help with your copyright application, and to learn how we can help protect your intellectual property, please contact us by calling (214) 824-1414 (toll free at 888-312-1750).

Our offices are located in Dallas, Texas, just off the North Central Expressway. Free parking is available.