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Kelley Way has been creating blog posts across many topics of Estate Planning, Copyright and Trademark law. If you have a topic or question you’d like covered, reach out to Kelley Way here.
Do I Need to Register My Copyright?
When I present on copyright issues during my speaking engagements, I am frequently asked about copyright registration and whether they need to register their copyright. The truth is, you technically don’t have to (but finish this article to see how not filing could...
How to Transfer Real Property Without a Probate
Changes to the Rules in 2025 The California legislature passed a law in 2024, taking effect on April 1, 2025, that makes some significant changes to situations where real property (i.e., land) can be passed on without having to go through probate. For those not in the...
When Do Copyrights Expire?
With all the copyrighted works of 1929 entering the public domain as of January 1, it’s a good time to ask how copyrights work, and when do copyrights expire. Yes, all copyrighted works will expire at some point. The U.S. Constitution specifically says that creative...
How Should I Hold Title to My House?
There are many different ways you can hold title to real property, like your house, especially if you have multiple people on the title. Let’s go through the various options and the pros and cons of each. You can hold title in your own name, with no one else on the...
Top Blog Articles for 2024
Once again, the year has gone by too quickly. With the arrival of December comes my annual post listing the top blog articles for 2024. Peruse, enjoy, and, of course, have a happy holiday season! Can I Write About a Real Person in My Book? -...
3 Myths About Publishing Contracts
Getting a contract from a publisher is exciting, especially for an unpublished author. However, some misconceptions about how these contracts work can lead to bitterness or regret later on. Here are some common myths people have about publishing contracts. You can't...
Estate Planning Conversations for the Holidays
The holidays are a time for visiting family. For some people, this is an excellent opportunity to see long-absent loved ones; for others, it’s a good excuse to make inroads on their alcohol supply. Personally, I think it’s a convenient time to have estate planning...
When Should I Register My Trademark?
I'm often asked the question: When should I register my trademark? Timing your trademark registration is always tricky. On the one hand, you want to get as much protection for your brand as possible as quickly as possible. On the other hand, trademark registration is...
Estate Planning Gone Wrong: 3 Ways You Can End Up in Probate With A Trust
Last month, I discussed why probate is bad and how to avoid it in California. And just in time for Halloween, even though terms like probate and trusts can be scary, we will face our fears and discuss what happens when estate planning goes wrong. Let’s talk about how...