Don’t you love it when you get proven right? Maybe it’s the attorney in me, but I love it when I get proven right. (But on the flip side, I do enjoy finding out I’m wrong because then I learn something.) In 2017, I had the excitement of knowing my opinion was deemed right by […]
Copyright
Trying to understand how copyright works for your creative business? Then this post collection will help you understand what copyright is and how it can help you.
Why should I bother registering my copyrights? Here’s why…
Karen Lynn Ingalls came to one of the first Office Hours sessions I offered. (You can see the next Office Hours session here.) And I’ve enjoyed getting to know her. She’s got a teacher’s heart and it was so nice to finally meet her IRL when she came to my CreativeLive workshop. When Karen attended Office Hours, […]
If I reference photos or illustrations, how do I fill out my copyright registration application?
Do you use reference photos or illustrations when creating your work? Do you incorporate other’s work into your own? Then make sure you tune into this week’s episode where I share how to let the U.S. Copyright Office know this when you fill out your copyright registration application.
What you agree to when you design for VIDA
Not sure what various print on demand sites terms of service say? Learn what they say before clicking, “I accept” Enter your information and get access to a chart comparing the TOS of more than 10 print on demand sites. Your privacy is important to us. Learn how we protect it here. Updated April 13, […]
Tired of beating back copycats? How a copyright small claims court could help
**June 16, 2020 Update: The CASE Act passed and you can now file a claim with the U.S. Copyright Office Copyright Claims Board here.** Creative business owners know that it’s only a matter of time until their work is copied. Your photograph gets posted on a free stock site Your illustration ends up on Zazzle […]
What did you agree to when you entered a Minted challenge?
Hi! I’m Kiff! I believe that you can have ease in the legalese of running your creative business. Each week, I send out an email to help you confidently strengthen your business’ legal foundation by sharing my experiences and knowledge. Get tips from your friendly legal eagle… Your privacy is important to us. Learn how […]
How to legally deal with copycats (+ avoid the rage spiral)
One day you are going to open up your email to find a message from a friend/fan/client/buyer saying: “Congrats!” I just saw your work on Art Print Site. I didn’t know you were being featured over there. It looks great! “Psst!” did you know that Etsy Store Name is using your photographs? Since it’s not […]
2 factors to consider when you are afraid someone copied you
Likely one of your biggest business fears is waking up to an inbox full of emails letting you know that someone is selling a knockoff product. It’s enough to derail your entire month and send you into a rage spiral. And you’ll consider a host of ways to retaliate: shaming her online getting a lawyer […]
Learning the Ropes: Monica Lee
I don’t remember how Monica Lee and I first met, but she interviewed me for Smart Creative Women almost three years ago. Monica is one of my idols at infusing herself into her brand. And her new accessories line is a perfect example of her skill in doing this. Just looking at her products tells […]
Can I license my images that I post on social media?
Overwhelmed by all the legal to-dos? Click here to get a free legal tip each week in your inbox from your friendly legal eagle. With a cup of coffee in hand, you open up your laptop and sit cross-legged at the kitchen table. As the screen comes to life, your browser is open to your […]
1 thing you can learn from a dancing baby video on YouTube
One afternoon you are hanging out with your family. Music is playing in the background and you are all enjoying yourselves. When a Taylor Swift song comes on your adorable daughter starts dancing and singing along. It’s just all too cute so you whip out your phone, take a short video of it, and post […]
Are you worried about selling on Handmade at Amazon?
There’s been lots of buzz lately over Handmade at Amazon. And almost every Facebook group I’m a part of has a thread about this new service. These threads cover the potential plusses and minuses, but also include a couple myths. I don’t see my role as helping you decide if something is a good or […]