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Do I Need to Register My Copyright?

Do I Need to Register My Copyright?

by Kelley Way | Feb 3, 2025 | Authors and Writing, Copyrights, Intellectual Property

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...
When Do Copyrights Expire?

When Do Copyrights Expire?

by Kelley Way | Jan 6, 2025 | Authors and Writing, Copyrights, Estate Planning, Intellectual Property

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...
Top Blog Articles for 2024

Top Blog Articles for 2024

by Kelley Way | Dec 2, 2024 | Authors and Writing, Copyrights, Estate Planning, Intellectual Property, Trademarks

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

3 Myths About Publishing Contracts

by Kelley Way | Nov 4, 2024 | Authors and Writing, Copyrights, Estate Planning, Intellectual Property

Getting a contract from a publisher is exciting, especially for an unpublished author.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...
When Should I Register My Trademark?

When Should I Register My Trademark?

by Kelley Way | Oct 7, 2024 | Intellectual Property, Trademarks

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...
5 Clauses to Look for in a Publishing Contract

5 Clauses to Look for in a Publishing Contract

by Kelley Way | Sep 2, 2024 | Authors and Writing, Copyrights, Intellectual Property

You have a contract from a publisher – congratulations! It’s extremely tempting to just sign your name and send it back immediately, but before you do that, it’s essential to read the contract and know what you’re signing first. Many of my author clients have come to...
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Blog Post Archives

Recent Blog Posts

  • Estate Planning Myths
  • Can I Use This Picture?
  • 5 Reasons Why Making a Will Can Be So Hard
  • FAQ: Why Does Copyright Expire?
  • Kelley Way’s Top Blog Posts for 2025
  • More on Copyright and AI
  • Who Are My Heirs?
  • Recent Estate Planning Horror Stories
  • What Happens to My Copyright When I Sign a Publishing Contract?
  • Do I Need a New Trust After I Get Married?
  • Copyright vs. Trademark (What’s the Difference?)
  • 3 More Copyright Myths You Should Know
  • How Can I Disinherit My Kid?
  • Will My Child’s Inheritance Cost Them Their Disability Benefits?
  • Should I Register A Trademark On My Book Title?
  • When Can I Use Quotes in My Book?
  • Does My 18-Year-Old Need An Estate Plan?
  • What Do I Do With Firearms in an Estate?
  • 3 Copyright Myths
  • How Do I Transfer Rights to My Kindle Direct Publishing Account After My Death?

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About

Kelley Way is a California attorney practicing estate planning, copyright, and trademark law. She helps her clients

  • Protect their assets from infringers, avoidable litigation, and unnecessary taxes;
  • Provide for their loved ones during and after their lifetime; and
  • Make solid plans for a secure future.

To learn more about how Kelley can help you, please contact her to schedule an appointment.

Office Hours

 Monday – Friday

9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Office is closed during National Holidays

Phone: (925) 357-8845
Fax: (925) 357-8846
kaway@kawaylaw.com

150 N. Wiget Lane #210
Walnut Creek, CA 94598

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Recent Posts

Estate Planning Myths

My Copyright Myths blog series has proven to be rather popular, so I thought I’d follow it up with an article on common myths in estate planning. Here are some of the top estate planning myths...
Read More

Can I Use This Picture?

Using Third-Party Images in Books and Media It's happened to all of us. We are cruising through the Internet or checking our social media, when we come across this great image. It would be perfect...
Read More

FAQ: Why Does Copyright Expire?

On January 1, all the works published in 1930 entered the public domain, meaning their copyrights have expired and everyone can use these works without asking permission first. Of course, anytime...
Read More

5 Reasons Why Making a Will Can Be So Hard

Exploring the Emotional Barriers to Estate Planning According to multiple surveys, over half the American population does not have a will or trust (the exact number varies depending on the survey,...
Read More

Kelley Way’s Top Blog Posts for 2025

Happy holidays, friends! As we wrap up 2025, I wanted to share my favorite blog posts from the year. Whether you’re a writer, creator, or planning for the future, these posts cover estate planning,...
Read More

Who Are My Heirs?

Who Inherits Without a Will It has recently come to my attention that people don’t actually know who would inherit from them if they died without a will or trust.  I’m so well steeped in estate...
Read More

More on Copyright and AI

How your content might find itself in a training database I recently attended a writers conference, and a hot topic among attendees was copyrights and AI. However, they weren’t asking about the...
Read More

Recent Estate Planning Horror Stories

Halloween is around the corner, and what better time is there to go over celebrity estate plans gone wrong? So, grab your popcorn and sit back for a lesson on how some recently departed celebrities...
Read More

What Happens to My Copyright When I Sign a Publishing Contract?

You’ve been offered a publishing contract – congratulations! But then the doubt creeps in. Is this really a good idea? What if they decide they don’t like me? What if they decide they don’t like my...
Read More

Do I Need a New Trust After I Get Married?

Most people know that they need a new trust after a divorce. But what happens when they get married? Do they need to create a new one if they already have a trust? Let's dive into the question: Do I...
Read More
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