Copyright Law | Attorneys.Media

Your Recipe Can’t Be Copyrighted — But These 3 Things Can Be

Business & Entrepreneurship, Content Creation & Blogging, Food & Cooking, Intellectual Property, Law & Legal Rights / Jack Gilbert

No—recipes generally aren’t protected by copyright because ingredient lists and basic instructions are considered facts and processes under U.S. law. You may still protect original written descriptions, photographs, and branding/trade dress tied to how you present or market the recipe. This article explains the three protectable elements and practical options for stopping copycats. Why Your […]

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NFT token versus copyright symbol comparison

NFT Ownership vs. Copyright – The Distinction That Cost Collectors Millions

Cryptocurrency and Web3, Digital Art and Collectibles, Intellectual Property Law, Legal News and Case Studies, NFT and Blockchain / Jack Gilbert

Buying an NFT typically transfers only the token, not the copyright, unless a written license or assignment says otherwise. Under U.S. law, copyright transfers must be in writing, so most NFT sales leave buyers with limited display rights at best. This article explains the key legal differences, common contract terms, and how collectors can avoid

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Books and software with resale price tags

The ‘First Sale’ Doctrine – Why You Can Resell Books but Maybe Not Software

Business & Commerce, Consumer Rights & Advocacy, Intellectual Property & Copyright, Law & Legal Principles, Technology & Digital Media / Jack Gilbert

The First Sale Doctrine lets you resell, lend, or donate a lawfully purchased physical copy without the copyright owner’s permission. It often doesn’t apply to software because many copies are distributed under license terms that restrict transfer. This article explains how first sale works for books and media, why software is different, and the main

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Livestreamer hosting a live broadcast online

The ‘Host Accountability’ Rule That Just Ended Copy-Paste Livestreaming

Content Creator Economy, Copyright and Intellectual Property, Digital Media Law, Online Regulation and Policy, Streaming Platforms / Jack Gilbert

The Host Accountability rule makes the stream host responsible for unauthorized rebroadcasts, triggering faster takedowns and potential penalties. It shifts enforcement from a gray area to clearer platform and host liability when content is copy‑pasted live. This article explains what the rule is, who it affects, and how livestreaming platforms must comply. What Is the

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AI art copyright ruling gavel and digital artwork

Can You Copyright an AI-Generated Image? The Copyright Office Just Answered

Artificial Intelligence, Copyright Law, Digital Art, Intellectual Property, Technology & Innovation / Jack Gilbert

In most cases, you cannot copyright a purely AI-generated image in the U.S.; the Copyright Office requires human authorship, and protection applies only to the human-created elements. Recent guidance and registration decisions reaffirm that prompts alone typically aren’t enough, while meaningful human selection, arrangement, or editing may qualify. This article explains the Office’s current position,

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

Artificial Intelligence, Authors & Publishing, Copyright Law, Intellectual Property, Technology & Innovation / Jack Gilbert

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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DMCA copyright law concept with legal symbols

What is the DMCA?

The DMCA is a U.S. copyright law enacted in 1998 that sets rules for online copyright enforcement, including notice-and-takedown and platform safe harbor protections. It also prohibits bypassing digital rights management (DRM) in many situations. This article explains what the DMCA does, who it affects, and how takedowns work. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act, commonly

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Fair use concept illustrated with copyright symbols

What is fair use?

Fair use is a U.S. copyright exception evaluated under 4 factors to decide if using protected material without permission is lawful. Courts weigh purpose, nature, amount used, and market effect in context, and no single factor is determinative. This article explains the four factors and common examples of fair use. Understanding Fair Use: A Copyright

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Copyright symbols and legal documents on desk

What is copyright?

Copyright is legal protection that automatically attaches the moment an original work is fixed in a tangible form. It gives the creator exclusive rights to copy, distribute, display/perform, and create derivative works, subject to limits like fair use. This article explains what copyright covers, how it arises, and what rights it provides. Understanding Copyright Basics

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Copyright law books and legal documents on desk

Copyright Law Explained: Your Essential Legal Guide

Copyright law automatically protects original creative works when fixed in tangible form. Copyright laws grant exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display works. Understanding copyright protection laws helps avoid copyright infringement lawsuits while recognizing copyright law exemption for fair use.