Intellectual Property

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Does Taylor Swift Own Her Music?

Taylor Swift now owns her master recordings after buying back the rights to her first six albums in 2025. Her battle over music ownership highlighted the difference between masters and publishing and reshaped industry conversations about artist control.

March 12, 2026

Dynamic shot of a baseball player mid-swing, kicking up dust as the bat approaches the ball. Focus on action and movement.

Once Again, A’s Denied “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics” Trademarks

The Oakland A’s move to Nevada has hit a major legal snag. For the second time, the USPTO has refused to register "Las Vegas Athletics," citing issues with geographic descriptiveness and a lack of "acquired distinctiveness." Using the A's relocation as a high-profile case study, we break down why fame in one city doesn't guarantee trademark rights.

February 19, 2026

A close-up of a black studio microphone mounted on a shock mount, angled slightly upward against a deep red background, highlighting the metal mesh grille and professional recording setup.

Do You Need Permission to Cover a Song?

Covering a song can boost visibility and creativity, but it also raises important copyright questions. This guide explains when you need permission to record, post, or perform a cover, how licenses work, and what can happen if you skip the legal steps.

December 24, 2025

A book shelf

How to Copyright a Book

Copyright protections allow creators the option to monetize their work and to pass on those rights and the income they generate onto the next generation. 

November 24, 2025

A modern art gallery with a series of large abstract portrait paintings displayed on white walls. The works feature bold, colorful brushstrokes in bright hues of pink, yellow, teal, and orange, blending expressive facial features with geometric abstraction. The clean, minimal gallery space with polished floors and ceiling spotlights enhances the vivid impact of the artworks.

AI Art and Copyright Infringement | The Lowdown

It has been said that it is impossible to come up with a truly original idea in the arts, and that may be true. Many of the greatest works are riffs or adaptations of art that has come before. The difference lies in how much originality the second artist brings to their new work. Does the art contain a stylistic difference or new point of view? Or is it simply a “rip-off”?

October 10, 2025

Sunset concert stage with drums and microphone, ready for a live performance. Warm lighting creates a vibrant atmosphere.

How Long Do Music Copyrights Last?

Wondering how long music copyright lasts? In most cases, protection continues for the creator’s lifetime plus 70 years, though rules differ by country and type of work. Knowing these limits helps artists, producers, and listeners understand when music becomes public domain.

September 30, 2025

ai robot woman imagining music notes

AI-Generated Music Copyright | What Musicians and Creators Need to Know

It remains to be seen if AI-generated music will be understood as an extension of this kind of fair use or whether or not it is in another camp altogether.

June 12, 2025

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