Copyright Lawyers for Simi Valley, California
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Michael D.
I have been a litigator in state and federal jurisdictions throughout the United States for the past 15 years, save for an eight-month stint as General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer for a credit card processing company. I am an asset to any firm looking for support with any type of motion work or coverage for appearances, if necessary. I like to refer to myself as a self-proclaimed "walking code of civil procedure." I look forward to working with you and helping however I am able. Thank you for your consideration.
"Responsive, transparent and clear with fees, explained clearly the best course of action. Recommend"
Anna V.
Multilingual California Attorney with experience in Immigration, Real Estate, Contracts.
September 22, 2025
Rosanne M.
Rosanne (Rosie) Brady Muschenheim is an experienced estate planning attorney practicing law exclusively in trusts, estates, business, and tax law. She studied advanced tax law by taking several courses through Boston University's LLM program. She served as the Western Region Estate Planning Consultant for Bessemer Trust Company in addition to running her own law firm. Rosie spent several years working in Silicon Valley at a prestigious law firm serving ultra high net worth clients, including Founders, Directors, and Officers at companies such as Google, Netflix, Juniper Networks, Tesla, DocuSign, Looker, Nvidia, Xilinx, and Fortinet. Rosie spent time practicing in Honolulu, Hawaii serving ultra high net worth clients, including descendants of Hawaiian royalty. While in Orange County, Rosie assisted many high net worth clients of notable fame in the entertainment industry and the manufacturing industry. Rosie started her own law firm to provide a more customized and personal service to clients than what is offered through larger law firms. Trust is essential to building client relationships, and with her own law firm Rosie is able to provide more attention and care to each client matter.
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September 24, 2025
David A.
David M. Abner is a practicing attorney with over 30 years of experience representing clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies in California and Texas. Mr. Abner is currently based in Los Angeles, California, and his practice focuses on negotiating the purchase and sale of businesses; negotiating equity and debt financing agreements; drafting and negotiating revisions to a variety of commercial agreements; and investigating and responding to law enforcement and regulatory compliance investigations. Additionally, Mr. Abner has considerable experience dealing with litigation involving ownership and valuation of privately held companies. He has tried nearly a dozen cases in private practice, including cases involving breach of contract, products liability, fraud, and officer and director liability. As in-house counsel for Ashland Inc., Mr. Abner worked with business leaders daily to assess, manage and prevent a variety of legal risks that threatened the viability and profitability of products, services and customer relationships. His efforts produced results that included settling a $700M anti-trust class action lawsuit for less than $7M; assisting in closing the sale of the company’s joint venture interests in an oil and gas subsidiary; assessing and quantifying the liabilities associated with the acquisition of other businesses; and supervising Ashland’s responses to DOJ, FBI and EPA investigations. Mr. Abner has been licensed to practice law in Texas since 1993, and in California since 2012. Mr. Abner obtained his Juris Doctorate from the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University in 1993, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of South Carolina in 1990.
Sean D.
After 15+ years at leading firms in Silicon Valley, Boston, and DC, I started Supernova Law to partner with the clients who inspire me most—start-ups, mission-driven companies, B-Corps, and non-profits. My goal is simple: provide accessible, affordable, high-quality legal support to innovators creating positive change for our society. At Supernova Law, your vision and values come first.
October 10, 2025
Matthew K.
Member CA State Bar since 1978. Martindale-Hubbell rated A-v Preeminent. Avvo 5-stars
November 7, 2025
kresimir p.
Kresimir Peharda is a corporate and M&A attorney. His clients benefit from his experience representing public companies and hands-on operational experience in three start-ups, two in healthcare and one in real estate. Kresimir has assisted his public clients in IPOs, spin-offs, going private transactions, SEC compliance, corporate governance, corporate reorganizations and complex financing transactions. He advises early stage and middle market companies on contracts, equity compensation, debt and equity financing, mergers and acquisitions, and shareholder matters.
Don M.
AI and crypto-savvy Attorney with 20+ years’ experience advising companies in I.T., software, telecommunications, FinTech and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with 9+ yrs spent in GC roles. Barred in 3 states (Calif. New York & Wash. D.C.) plus the U.S. Supreme Court. Registered Patent Attorney (USPTO). Extremely versatile, with subject matter expertise in a variety of legal topics highly useful for tech and startup companies, including IP, privacy, financial / banking laws (Regulation E, UDAAP, ID Theft Red Flags Rule, etc.), AML, KYC, export controls, litigation/ADR, cryptocurrency regulations and the rules governing the use of A.I. Deep understanding of computer technology via Master’s in Comp. Info. Systems (MSCIS). Also pre-law business experience. Certifications: Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS); Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP-US); Certified HIPAA Professional. Education: Law degree (JD): UCLA, 2003. MSCIS: Boston Univ., 2011.
January 22, 2026
Kevin G.
For more than three decades, Kevin M. Gross has served as a trusted legal advisor to senior management and executive teams providing guidance on global compliance issues (anti-corruption, trade regulation, AML/KYC, privacy, and conflicts of interest), strategic concerns, due diligence, and risk mitigation strategies. In 2020, he founded C&R Consulting Group LLC to provide practical, cost-effective compliance and risk services to small and medium sized businesses. Prior to starting his own consulting firm, Kevin worked at Penumbra, Inc., a global healthcare company that manufactures and sells medical devices to healthcare providers, hospitals and clinics in more than 100 countries. At Penumbra, Kevin was the primary legal advisor to the company’s international sales and marketing executives. In addition, as Penumbra’s principal compliance lawyer, he conducted risk assessments and provided guidance and solutions to Penumbra’s internal compliance team. He oversaw due diligence on Penumbra’s international distributors, regulatory and sales agents, and other commercial partners. Prior to joining Penumbra, Kevin spent 15 years inside Chevron’s legal, compliance and upstream law departments, where he advised senior management on the company’s compliance and risk programs. Kevin overhauled Chevron’s hotline and investigations programs, strengthened internal controls and compliance procedures, and developed best practices and training for compliance personnel and investigators. Kevin also managed and conducted dozens of sensitive, high-profile investigations across six continents (internal and external), including FCPA, cybersecurity threats, and high-value theft and procurement frauds. Kevin directed outside counsel responses to SEC and DOJ inquiries, which were terminated without further action. He developed and conducted FCPA and compliance training for leadership teams and others across the enterprise. Prior to his tenure at Chevron, Kevin spent a decade as a senior enforcement attorney at the US Securities and Exchange Commission Division of Enforcement. At the SEC, he investigated and prosecuted cases involving securities fraud, insider trading, accounting fraud, options backdating, Ponzi schemes, and FCPA violations. Kevin filed and litigated SEC administrative and federal court actions against companies and individuals accused of violating federal securities laws. Early in his career, Kevin was a commercial litigator at Faegre Drinker LLP, an AmLaw 100 firm where he oversaw the investigation and resolution of insurance coverage disputes and other commercial litigation matters. In this role, Kevin took and defended hundreds of depositions, argued dozens of motions, and brought several cases to jury trials in US district courts. Kevin has received numerous accolades from clients and industry leaders, and is a frequent speaker at ACC, ACI, BECA, Consero and other conferences.
Neil R.
Neil Rust is a transactional attorney with almost four decades of experience ranging across a broad range of fields, including M&A, finance, structured finance, VC and general corporate. Before moving to Oregon, Mr. Rust was a partner at the Los Angeles office of an international law for 26 years and the Century City office of a national law firm for 5 years. During his big firm tenure, Neil Rust gathered experience across multiple industries and enjoys counselling clients as much as drafting and negotiating.
Nick G.
My name is Nick Gleason, and I’m an attorney licensed in California and a veteran of the United States Navy. While in law school, during my clerkship with Mob Entertainment, I worked under the General Counsel, drafting cease and desist letters, demand letters, and assignment and licensing agreements. I also worked with outside counsel on copyright infringement matters, helping to protect the interests of the company. Now in my professional practice, I continue to help clients like you protect your interests by offering affordable legal representation for all your contract and copyright needs. I can draft contracts, review proposed agreements for vulnerabilities, and negotiate terms on your behalf, as well as prepare effective cease and desist letters and demand letters tailored to your situation, including in copyright and DMCA-related matters. I will always be fair and transparent with my fees. I’d love to hear from you.
April 18, 2026
Caroline N.
Caroline K. Nam, Esq. is a solo attorney who provides legal counsel with a management-first mindset, combining legal expertise with proactive policy development. Prior to starting her own practice, Caroline gained extensive legal experience as a litigator defending and advising employers of all sizes, ranging from a single business owner, to a small family-owned winery, and major, nationwide corporations. Caroline also has experience on the plaintiffs' side representing survivors of sexual abuse against school districts and churches. With her unique litigation background and expertise representing both plaintiffs and defendants, Caroline understands that legal compliance is only a piece of the puzzle for business success. She is committed to leading with compassion to provide a personalized, approachable service for each client. Having safeguarded companies against a variety of business and employment disputes, Caroline is focused on preventative risk management, helping owners reduce potential employment litigation that she has defended firsthand in court. Caroline is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs spend less time worried about liability and more time focusing on business growth. Based in Pasadena, she provides accessible, actionable legal solutions throughout Southern California. During her free time, Caroline enjoys yoga and serving her Los Angeles community. In 2025, she partnered with NLSLA to provide pro bono legal services to individuals impacted by the Eaton Fire. Currently, she serves on the board of directors of a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles.
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Browse Lawyers NowCopyright Legal Questions and Answers
Copyright
Copyright License Agreement
California
Can I use copyrighted material in my YouTube videos without violating the Copyright License Agreement?
I am a YouTuber and I frequently use copyrighted material in my videos, such as music, images, and clips from movies or TV shows. I am aware that these materials are protected by copyright laws, but I am unsure if my use of them in my videos would violate the Copyright License Agreement. I want to ensure that I am not infringing on any copyrights or facing any legal consequences for using copyrighted material in my content.
Randy M.
When you upload a video to YouTube, you're automatically agreeing to their Terms of Service and Copyright Policy. What that really means is this: you're saying you either own the rights to every part of your video or you've gotten permission to use it. There isn’t a separate “Copyright License Agreement” that gives you a pass to use copyrighted material freely. That includes music, movie clips, TV shows, sports highlights, and even images you found online. Just giving credit or adding a line like “no infringement intended” doesn’t offer any legal protection. Now, how does YouTube actually enforce all of this? It mainly comes down to two systems. The first is Content ID. That one’s automated. It scans your video against a big database of copyrighted material that rights holders have submitted. If there’s a match, you’ll get a Content ID claim. That’s not the same as a copyright strike, but it can still have consequences. The rights holder might choose to monetize your video, block it in some countries, or just track how it performs. A lot of creators run into this when they use popular music, and usually the result is that they lose monetization for that video. In some cases, the rights holder might go a step further and issue both a Content ID claim and a formal takedown. The second system is a DMCA takedown notice. That’s a legal process under U.S. copyright law, and it lets a rights holder demand that infringing content be removed. If that takedown is valid, your channel gets a copyright strike. One strike can block you from live streaming. If you get three strikes within 90 days, your channel and any linked accounts can be terminated. Strikes expire after 90 days if you go through YouTube’s Copyright School, but if you keep getting them, things can escalate fast. Now, fair use is where a lot of creators hope they’re protected. It’s a legal doctrine in the U.S., found in Section 107 of the Copyright Act. In short, it allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission, as long as the use meets certain criteria and is considered transformative. Courts look at four main factors: First, the purpose and character of the use. Second, the nature of the copyrighted work. Third, how much of it you used and how significant that portion was. And fourth, whether your use could harm the market for the original. For example, if you're reviewing a movie and include a few short clips with your own commentary, that’s much more likely to fall under fair use than posting a montage of fight scenes with no added value. Using factual material, like a short news segment in a critique, tends to be safer than copying a full song or film scene. But the truth is, fair use is case-specific. There’s no guaranteed rule like “10 seconds is okay.” Only a court can give a definitive answer. So what can you do? The safest route is always to license the content. Services like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Storyblocks let you use music and footage under a subscription license. For free material, YouTube’s Audio Library is a solid option. You can also look at public domain works. In the U.S., that currently includes anything published before 1929. That date moves up each January 1. Another option is Creative Commons content, but you’ll need to follow the terms of those licenses, which can include attribution or limits on commercial use. If you’re going to rely on fair use, make sure what you’re doing is truly transformative. That means adding something original, like commentary, criticism, or parody. Use only what’s necessary and avoid the most recognizable or valuable parts of the original. It’s important to understand that even if you’re confident your video qualifies as fair use, YouTube can still take it down if the rights holder files a takedown notice. Your option at that point is to dispute it, but that can come with risks, including potential legal action. If your channel is monetized, repeated claims or strikes can impact your income and the long-term future of your account. Because fair use is such a gray area and carries real consequences, it’s wise to talk to a copyright attorney if you plan to use third-party material often. The attorneys on Contracts Counsel would be happy to assist.
Copyright
Photography Usage Rights Agreement
California
Can a photographer include a clause in their license agreement that prohibits the client from editing or altering the photos?
I am a professional photographer and I often provide clients with a license agreement that outlines the terms of our working relationship. Recently, I had a client who edited one of my photos without my permission, resulting in a distorted and low-quality image that does not reflect my artistic vision. This incident made me wonder if it is possible to include a clause in my license agreement that explicitly prohibits clients from making any edits or alterations to the photos I provide them. I want to protect my artistic integrity and ensure that my work is not misrepresented or misused by others. Can I legally include such a clause in my photography license agreement?
Dolan W.
Hello! My wife does photography so I understand how frustrating this may be. The answer is yes; you can. Technically, you own the copyright and you are allowed to give copies to your clients. As a condition, you can state in your contract that alterations of any kind are prohibited or may require your approval first. We're happy to help take a look at the contract for you and add those terms! Best of luck! Dolan
Copyright
Content Licensing Agreement
California
What are the legal requirements and considerations for licensing internet content?
I am an aspiring content creator who has recently started producing and publishing original digital content, such as articles, videos, and photographs, on various online platforms. As I begin to gain traction and receive inquiries from individuals and companies interested in using my content, I want to ensure that I understand the legal requirements and considerations for licensing my internet content. I am particularly concerned about protecting my intellectual property rights, specifying permitted uses, and ensuring fair compensation for the use of my content, and I would appreciate guidance on the legal aspects of internet content licensing to navigate this new phase of my career.
Dolan W.
Hello1 Thanks for choosing contractscounsel.com. So first off, you automatically own the copyright to anything you create, but registering it with the U.S. Copyright Office gives you extra legal protection if someone misuses it. This is the difference between a "common law" copyright and an actual copyright that you can use against people in court! When licensing your content, think about the rules you want in place. Are you giving one person exclusive rights or letting multiple people use it? What’s allowed? Posting on social media, commercial use, etc.? Spell everything out clearly. Payment is an important consideration in terms of frequency and amount. A solid licensing agreement is your safety net. It should cover the scope of use, payment, attribution, and what happens if someone breaks the deal. Hiring a lawyer to help with this can save you headaches later. We can always draft licensing agreements for you as it's our specialty. Thanks again! Dolan
Copyright
Copyright Search
Arizona
Can I use a copyrighted image for a personal project?
I am a graphic designer and I came across a stunning image online that I would like to use for a personal project. However, I am unsure about the copyright implications of using this image without permission. I have tried conducting a copyright search to find information about the image's copyright holder, but I haven't been able to find any relevant details. Can I proceed with using the image for my personal project, or do I need to obtain permission from the copyright holder?
Connie M.
You usually need to get the permission of the owner of the photograph which is usually the photographer. Check the metadata or do a reverse image search to help you find the owner.
Copyright
Music License Agreement
Massachusetts
Can I use a licensed song for a YouTube video without facing copyright infringement issues?
I am a YouTuber and I recently came across a popular song that I would like to use as background music for one of my videos. I understand that the song is protected by copyright and would require a license for legal use. However, I am unsure about the specific terms and conditions of the license agreement and whether it would allow me to use the song in my YouTube video without facing any copyright infringement issues. I want to ensure that I am legally using the song and not infringing on any copyrights.
Randy M.
You can use a copyrighted song in your YouTube video legally if you’ve secured the correct type of license. Buying a song on iTunes or streaming it on Spotify doesn’t give you that right. Those purchases are only personal listening licenses and don’t extend to using the music in your own content. For YouTube, you need licenses that specifically cover synchronization with video and online distribution. Every song involves two separate copyrights. The first is the musical composition, which covers the melody, lyrics, and arrangement and is controlled by the music publisher. To pair the composition with visuals, you need a synchronization license. The second is the sound recording, also called the master, which is the specific recorded version owned by the record label. To use that track in your video, you need a master use license. For popular songs, that means negotiating two separate licenses with different parties. The process is often complicated, slow, and costly, which is why most YouTubers don’t license mainstream tracks directly. The more practical route is to use licensing platforms designed for creators. Services like Epidemic Sound, Artlist, and Musicbed provide subscription-based access to music libraries. They’ve already secured both composition and master rights, and they typically whitelist your YouTube channel so Content ID doesn’t block or demonetize your videos. Another option is stock music libraries such as PremiumBeat or AudioJungle, where you can buy individual track licenses. In those cases, you must read the terms carefully to confirm that the license covers YouTube, monetization, worldwide distribution, and long-term use. A perpetual license is preferable so you don’t face takedowns years later. Even if you have a valid license, YouTube’s Content ID system may still detect the track. That doesn’t mean you’ve infringed copyright. It just means the system has matched the audio. When that happens, you can dispute the claim and provide proof of your license. Reputable licensing companies usually assist in clearing these disputes. If you don’t have the right license, however, Content ID claims can result in demonetization, muting, regional blocks, or DMCA takedowns that put your channel at risk. Cost is another factor. Licensing a mainstream hit directly from a label and publisher can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the song and how it’s used. In contrast, a subscription service like Epidemic Sound runs on a predictable monthly or yearly fee and covers all the legal rights you need for YouTube use. If your channel is monetized, it’s also important to confirm that the license allows commercial use. A personal or non-commercial license won’t protect you if you earn revenue from your videos. To stay compliant, keep a copy of every license you obtain. Make sure the license explicitly allows use on YouTube, permits monetization, applies worldwide, and lasts for the life of your video. If you’re working with a platform subscription, ensure your channel is properly linked so that Content ID claims are automatically released. If you want to use a well-known commercial track, you’ll likely need professional help negotiating directly with the rights holders. For most creators, using licensed music from platforms built for YouTube is the safer and more cost-effective approach.
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