Legal Question in Intellectual Property in New York

Who should own the rights to the video game I've created:

Me as an individual, or my SMLLC "studio" created to distribute it?

Briefly, why is your recommended situation superior to the alternative?

Must my copyright be registered before I can legally transfer (or license) it?

My humble thanks for your time and generosity,


Asked on 8/17/16, 11:16 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Roman Fichman Esq. Law Practice of Roman Fichman Esq.

Generally speaking, to maintain limited liability protections, facilitate proper tax deductions and enable the company to be invested in or sold, down the road, the assets should be owned by the company. Future investors and/or buyers would expect nothing less from the founders/owners than to transfer all their individual IP rights and ownership to the company.

There are exceptions to the above and those depend on individual circumstances and would require a chat. You can always ping me directly.

Roman R. Fichman, Esq.

www.TheLegalists.com │ @TheLegalist

email: Info (@) TheLegalists (dot) com

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Disclaimer: This post has been written for educational purposes only and was not meant to be legal advice and should not be construed as legal advice or be relied upon. No intention exists to create an attorney-client relationship or any other special relationship or privilege through this post. The post may contain errors, inaccuracies and/or omissions. You should always consult an attorney admitted to practice in your jurisdiction for specific advice. This post may be deemed as Attorney Advertising.

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Answered on 8/17/16, 11:45 am
Frank Natoli Natoli-Legal, LLC

There is no "one-way" to approach this. It depends on a number of factors. For example, maybe it makes sense to own the IP personally then license it to an operating entity that commercializes it.

As far as the copyright goes, any creative expression will be covered by copyright law automatically. Then you register the work with the US Copyright Office so to perfect your bundle of federal rights like the right to access the courts, the right to ask for statutory damages (sometimes the only damages worth bringing the case over), the right to attorney fees, etc.

If you would like to discuss further over a free phone consult, feel free to contact me anytime that is convenient.

Our firm is now referred by the American Bar Association (see under the New York section):

http://www.americanbar.org/groups/delivery_legal_services/resources/programs_to_help_those_with_moderate_income.html

Kind regards,

Frank

www.LanternLegal.com

866-871-8655

[email protected]

DISCLAIMER: this is not intended to be specific legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No attorney-client relationship is formed on the basis of this posting.

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Answered on 8/17/16, 12:15 pm


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