Every artist or creator wants to protect their work. It’s important to have the rights to something you’ve made, which is why copyright laws exist. Sometimes, others try to use what you’ve created as their own, profiting off your efforts. Confronting them on your own isn’t always wise. You need a Costa Mesa copyright lawyer who understands the importance of protecting your work and pursuing those who are trying to steal it.

The Myers Law Group has 90 years of combined experience. We’ve handled intellectual property cases in the past, including copyright infringement.

Silicon Valley is the home to many app and software developers who need their products to be secure. Knowing your rights is essential in a copyright case, and we can guide you through the process.

A copyright is when someone has the rights to their work for distribution, reproduction, use, or display. It’s an original work, usually creative in nature, and must be tangible, including written, recorded, or digital. A copyright lasts for the creator’s life, plus 70 years, and includes the following:

• Architectural drawings or renderings
• Computer software or app development
• Screenplays and scripts
• Literary work, such as books, essays, or poems
• Music and lyrics
• Fashion designs
• Art of any kind, such as painting, drawing, and photography
• Online videos, movies, or TV shows

The copyright laws for California are detailed in the U.S. Code, Title 17. This federal law covers all aspects of copyrighting your work. Here are some important points to note:

• Your copyright starts from the moment you create the work, not when you got the idea for it.
• Infringement is when someone uses your work without permission or uses it as their own.
• You must have a registered copyright to start a claim about copyright infringement.
• Civil claims related to copyright infringement can include damages, payment of legal fees, and the possibility of criminal charges.
• Certain aspects are not protected under copyright laws, such as:
  • Ideas or concepts
  • Systems or procedures
  • Facts

Understanding the federal copyright laws can be confusing and overwhelming. A knowledgeable copyright lawyer in Costa Mesa can review your case to determine if there’s been infringement or another issue.

According to the Copyright Claims Board, there were 1,525 claims filed between June 2022 and September 2025. California had 278 during that timeframe. Of these, 37% were related to infringement of a picture, graphic, or sculpture, and 22% were for motion pictures, which is an important industry in our state. This report noted that 53% of the claims were considered standard claims with $30,000 in damages.

As a creative person, you may produce more than one work or piece in your lifetime. Having trusted counsel can ease your mind that your creations aren’t going to be misused. When you hire a copyright lawyer, they can assist you with several aspects of your business or brand, such as:

• Registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office
• Licensing your work and drawing up agreements for other entities to use your content
• Legal advice on protecting your rights as a creator
• Enforcing your copyrights through cease and desist letters, filing claims, negotiating settlements, or advocating on your behalf during litigation

How Expensive Is a Copyright Lawsuit in California?

The cost depends on several factors, including when the copyright was registered, the evidence of infringement, the ability of your attorney, and how long the lawsuit lasts. The more time spent on gathering documentation and negotiating terms, the higher the cost. Doing it on your own could add to your stress level and financial burden.

What’s the Difference Between a Copyright, a Patent, and a Trademark?

A copyright is for something you created, such as the art you produced or the book you wrote. A patent is for an invention and is required before a product is mass-produced. A trademark is for a logo or phrase used exclusively by a company. There are different laws and ways of establishing each type, but they are all considered intellectual property. If you’re not sure which one you need, consult a capable attorney.

Is My Copyright Valid in Other Countries?

After registering for a copyright in the U.S., it is honored in most countries across the world. However, there are some countries where it is not honored. Your skilled copyright attorney can help you obtain additional licenses in other places where you want your work distributed. These additional copyrights can protect you and your work from infringement in another country.

What Is the Three- Month Rule for a Copyright?

The three-month rule is very important in a copyright claim. A creator should register their work three months before the publication or release of their work. If this timeline is in place, the creator is entitled to more damages and payment of their legal fees in their infringement case. An attorney with experience in copyrights and intellectual property usually advises their clients to register for a copyright as soon as possible.

What Is Public Domain?

Public domain refers to ideas, creative works, or materials that are not covered by copyright. Most works from before 1929 are considered public domain. Copyrights that have expired are also considered public domain. Since copyrights cover a creator’s life, plus 70 years, their descendants need to renew the copyright to continue to protect the work long after the creator’s death.

At The Myers Law Group, we treat every copyright case with individualized attention, making sure whatever you’ve created is safe. Whether you want to register your work or review an agreement with another company that wants to use it, we can advise you on the strongest course of action.

You’ve worked hard on producing something special, and we want to help you with the legal side. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Costa Mesa copyright lawyer to discuss your copyright concerns. We’re located at 4695 MacArthur Court, near the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art.