What Happens If I Die and I Don’t Have a Will or Trust?
Most people I talk to know that they should have a will or trust, but they’re not quite sure why. Perhaps more importantly, they wonder what happens if they die and they don’t have a will or trust? To be clear, dying without a will does not mean chaos and confusion (unless that’s just how your family rolls)....
When Should I Copyright My Work?
I am often asked, when should I copyright my work? Whether you have authored a book or created a piece of art, the good news is that you automatically have copyright. Specifically, as soon as the work is "fixed" (i.e. written down, recorded or in some other format that others can perceive), it has a copyright. However, you...
3 Reasons to Register Your Copyright
Believe it or not, you do not need to register your work with the Copyright Office in order to have protection. You possess a copyright as soon as you complete any work that is copyrightable (such as a novel, painting, song, or video). However, it is still a very good idea to register your copyright, for the following...
When Should I Update My Will or Trust?
A number of current and potential clients have asked me some great questions about their will or trust. For example: When should I update my will or trust? Once the document is signed, how long is it good for? At what point does it have to be revised? There is no one right answer to these questions. While...
Can I Use a Trademark in My Book?
The question: Can I use a trademark in my book, has come up several times recently in conversations with clients, so here are some guidelines for using someone else’s trademark. As a general rule, it’s fine to use someone else’s trademark in your writing. Most brand owners would probably enjoy the free publicity. However, there are some things...