Frederic Douglas

Songwriters may make money from public performance fees (such as when someone does the song at a concert) and mechanical licenses (such as when a record company pays the publisher for using the song on a CD sold to the…more

We hear music everywhere in our daily lives - on the radio, at a club, in stores, and even while waiting on hold with customer [no]service. Does the songwriter get paid for these "public performances"? This article summarizes…more

Often homeowners look for technicalities in their lending documents to seek defending themselves against foreclosure. Often, such efforts are unsuccessful, in part, because of the complicate procedures and the uneven playing…more

Often, novice inventors are confused as to the various types of patents. This list is a good starting basis for understanding the various types of patents…more

Businesses of all sizes should consider organizing a patent committee. Such a committee helps to jointly makes decisions about the company's patent applications and issued patents. Also, participation in the patent committee can…more

Often, people are unsure as to whether to apply for a patent or to go "naked" into the marketplace. Consider this list of benefits to owning a patent and talk to a registered patent attorney if you have further questions…more

A brief overview on trade secrets and how to protect trade secrets…more

What is a trademark? Should you instead “get a copyright” or “get a patent”? Understanding the basic facts about trademarks can avoid misunderstanding and give you the knowledge to protect your hard work and grow your business…more

Often homeowners look for technicalities in their lending documents to seek defending themselves against foreclosure. Often, such efforts are unsuccessful, in part, because of the complicate procedures and the uneven playing…more

A common scenario for a potential client calling a lawyer about problems with a landlord consists of complaints about not getting a refund of the deposit upon leaving the rental home. The client wants to know the law, as it…more

Persons new to filing patent applications often have basic questions regarding patent searches. Should an inventor do a patent search? Is a patent search required? Does it matter when a patent search is done? What happens when…more

Many patent applications have been filed aimed at protecting inventions involving computers. Often the patent claims describe using disc drives or other media for storing data. A common name for data storage devices (such as…more

When filing a patent application, the applicant must state correctly who are the inventors of the invention(s). If the patent issues with the wrong inventor listed, the patent may end up being invalid or unenforceable. Be sure…more

Determining whether a patent is infringed should entail the same process that a court would use. Generally, a court would make findings on validity, infringement, and enforceability…more

Discussion of ring tones and ring back tones regarding royalty share categories in songwriter agreements…more