Authors & Publishing

Covers legal issues affecting authors, publishers, and other content creators, including publishing contracts, copyright and licensing, permissions, royalties, and rights reversion. Also addresses defamation, privacy, plagiarism, and disputes over ownership, attribution, and use of written and digital works.

3 posts
How to Register a Copyright for a Self-Published Book in California: Step-by-Step for Authors

How to Register a Copyright for a Self-Published Book in California: Step-by-Step for Authors

Registering a copyright for a self-published book in California typically costs $45–$125 in U.S. Copyright Office filing fees, depending on the application type and method. Although you can create copyright protection automatically when you write the book, registration is the step that unlocks key enforcement benefits—especially if you need to sue for infringement. This guide […]
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How to Register a Copyright for a Self-Published Book in California (Step-by-Step for 2026)

How to Register a Copyright for a Self-Published Book in California (Step-by-Step for 2026)

Registering a copyright for a self-published book in California is done through the U.S. Copyright Office—typically online—by filing an application, paying a fee (commonly $45–$65 for standard online filings), and submitting a deposit copy. California authors often need registration before filing an infringement lawsuit and to maximize statutory damages and attorney’s fees. This guide explains […]
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Training an AI on Copyrighted Books Is Fair Use — Until It Isn’t

Training an AI on Copyrighted Books Is Fair Use — Until It Isn’t

AI training on copyrighted books can qualify as fair use under the 4-factor test when the use is transformative and doesn’t substitute for the original. It becomes infringement when copying is substantial, used commercially to compete, or outputs reproduce protected expression. This article explains where courts draw the line, key factors, and practical risk for […]
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