Welcome to the Dandridge Firm

The Dandridge Firm, PLC is a boutique law practice, with a focus on the unique areas of Non Profit Tax Exemption, Non Profit Law, and Trademark and Copyright Law. By concentrating in these very narrow areas of the law, we are better able to assist you in navigating the legal complexities facing your IRS tax exemption or intellectual property matter.

If you need assistance in preparing your 501(c) tax exemption application, or obtaining protection of your valuable business ideas by way of trademarks or copyrights, you are at the right place. Our staff is prepared to advocate for you, and to assist you in economically and effectively reaching your goals.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Songwriters: Copyright registration required to sue infringing mega companies, superstars and public figures

For songwriters, protection of their valuable work is a number one concern. The hard work and artistry that go into creating song lyrics may earn its author great fame and riches. Yet, some mega companies, superstars and public figures attempt to pawn the work of an unsuspecting songwriter and pass it off as their own. Before a songwriter(of a work that originates in the US) may sue an infringing party, the original work(s) of authorship must be registered with the US Copyright Office. A songwriter will not be able to file an infringement action against the infringing party if that particular work is not registered with the US Copyright Office. Registration with the Copyright Office allows the oftentimes powerless songwriter to stand up to seemingly untouchable infringers.

See Jackson Browne sues John McCain and Republican Party:
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/singersongwriter-jackson-browne-files-suit/story.aspx?guid=%7B6D3CA8B0-C98E-47F6-9499-56D69DFCDEC6%7D&dist=hppr
See Tim McGraw faces song infringement action for ‘Everywhere’:
http://blog.cmt.com/2008-08-06/tim-mcgraw-copyright-infringement-suit-grabbing-attention/
See Kid Rock accused of biting '80s synth tune for 'Cowboy':
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1453539/20020422/kid_rock.jhtml
See Beyonce faces song infringement action for ‘Baby Boy’:
http://www.filewrapper.com/index.cfm/2007/12/26/Fifth-Circuit--Beyonc-song-does-not-infringe-songwriters-copyright

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posted by Andre' B. Dandridge [ Link directly to this article ]

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This is an advertisement. Certification as a Nonprofit, Trademark or Copyright Specialist is not currently available in Michigan or Florida (although Intellectual Property Specialist is available in Florida). The Dandridge Firm limits its practice principally to IRS nonprofit tax law, trademark and copyright law, which are Federal practice areas, and we do not claim expertise in the laws of states other than where our attorneys are licensed. The Dandridge Firm does not retain clients on the strength of advertising materials alone but only after following our own engagement procedures (e.g. interviews, conflict checks, retainer agreements). The information contained on this site is intended to educate members of the public generally and is not intended to provide solutions to individual problems. Readers are cautioned not to attempt to solve individual problems on the basis of information contained herein and are strongly advised to seek competent legal counsel before relying on information on this site. Copyright © 2008 The Dandridge Firm. All rights reserved.