If you have a copyright issue in Kansas City or anywhere in Missouri, call Bateman IP for a no-cost strategy session at (816) 897-0507. Our firm protects creative works, enforces copyrights, and defends individuals and businesses facing infringement claims throughout Missouri and the Kansas City Metro.
What Copyright Protects
Copyright law protects original works of authorship from unauthorized copying, publication, distribution, or public display. These works include:
• Literary works
• Artistic and graphic designs
• Music and audio recordings
• Architectural drawings and building designs
• Audiovisual and digital media
• Other forms of creative expression
Bateman IP helps creators, businesses, designers, contractors, and professionals protect the works that matter to them.
The Importance of a Copyright Application
In the United States, copyright protection attaches automatically once a work is created. However, to enforce that copyright, the work must be formally registered with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Registration requires submitting the work and completing the appropriate federal forms. A three-month grace period exists after publication — and filing during that window provides major legal advantages.
Why Timely Copyright Registration Matters
Filing a copyright application either:
• Within three months of publication, or
• Before infringement occurs
…gives the copyright owner important benefits:
1. Eligibility to File a Lawsuit
You cannot file a copyright infringement action in federal court until registration is received. That makes prompt filing critical.
2. Access to Attorney’s Fees and Statutory Damages
If registration occurs during the grace period or before infringement:
a) The court may award attorney’s fees
b) The court may award statutory damages (without proving actual losses)
These remedies are extremely valuable — and most copyright defendants do not want to risk paying the copyright owner’s legal fees on top of their own.
If registration is late, the copyright owner must instead prove actual damages or the infringer’s profits, which is often harder and more expensive.
You can file your own copyright at the U.S. Copyright Office portal, but Bateman IP is always ready to help.
Avoiding Copyright Infringement
Businesses face significant legal risk when employees or contractors copy someone else’s work.
A single untrained employee who “borrows” artwork, photos, or written content can expose the company to substantial liability.
To prevent this:
• Employees should be trained never to use third-party artwork without a license.
• Independent contractor agreements should contain strict indemnification and compliance provisions.
Bateman IP helps Kansas City businesses build policies and contracts that prevent expensive infringement disputes.
Copyright Ownership for Employees & Contractors
Ownership of creative works is frequently misunderstood.
• Employees: Work created within the scope of employment is usually owned by the company.
• Independent contractors: The contractor owns the work — even if the company paid for it — unless a contract assigns the copyrights to the company.
To protect your business, all contractor agreements should ensure:
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The work is not infringing
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All copyright ownership rights transfer to the company
-
The contractor will be liable for any infringement they commit
Bateman IP drafts and reviews work-for-hire and copyright assignment agreements to ensure your company owns what it uses.
Copyright Enforcement — Plaintiff & Defense
Whether you need to stop an infringer or you’ve been accused of copyright infringement, Bateman IP has deep experience on both sides.
We have handled dozens of disputes including architectural designs, photography, artwork, engineering plans, commercial advertising content, product imagery, and online media.
Representative Copyright Cases Handled by Bateman IP
Recreational Property Owner — Photography Claim
A photography company sought millions in statutory damages after an employee uploaded copyrighted images.
Bateman IP won summary judgment for the property owner and secured attorney’s fees due to the plaintiff’s unreasonable demands.
Engineer vs. Architect — Unauthorized Use of Engineering Plans
An architect used five engineering plans to build dozens of homes without permission.
Bateman IP filed suit and obtained summary judgment confirming infringement.
Artist vs. Retail Chain — Copied Dragon Artwork
A national retail chain sold products featuring a copied drawing created by our artist client.
Bateman IP enforced her copyrights and secured a strong settlement.
Auto Parts Manufacturer — Copyright & Unfair Competition
The client had defaulted on liability before hiring Rand Bateman. Plaintiff sought over $900,000 in damages.
After trial on damages, the court awarded less than $10,000.
Homeowner vs. Builder — Copied Home Design
A builder copied a custom home design and built another house with the same plan.
The jury found the homeowner owned the copyright and awarded damages.
Bateman IP has handled more than two dozen architectural copyright disputes.
MLM Promotional Kit Producer — Copyright, Trademark & Trade Dress
Bateman IP filed a motion to dismiss on all claims, arguing the plaintiff lacked rights in the asserted IP.
The court dismissed the entire case.
Online Reseller — Copied Product Photography
Other sellers copied a client’s original product photos to boost their own listings.
Bateman IP filed multiple lawsuits and obtained favorable settlements.
Contact Bateman IP — Kansas City Copyright Lawyers
Have a copyright issue in Kansas City or Missouri?
Call Bateman IP for a no-cost strategy session.
📞 (816) 897-0507
📍 Kansas City, Missouri
Serving: Kansas City MO, Kansas City KS, Overland Park, Olathe, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, and all of Missouri.