Copyright Lawyers for Rochester, New York

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Meet some of our Rochester Copyright Lawyers

Anjali S. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View Anjali
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
July 15, 2020

Anjali S.

Counsel
Free Consultation
New York, NY
15 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY CA, FL
NYU School of Law

Attorney licensed in California, New York, and Florida with over a decade of experience in technology transactions, data privacy, and intellectual property. I advise businesses on drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial agreements, including SaaS agreements, master services agreements (MSAs), vendor and procurement contracts, data processing agreements (DPAs), and intellectual property licensing arrangements. I hold the CIPP/US and CIPP/E privacy certifications and regularly support clients on matters involving data use, privacy considerations, and contract structuring in technology-driven business relationships. My approach is practical and business-focused, with an emphasis on clear guidance, efficient negotiation, and helping clients move forward with confidence.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Anjali is beyond sharp, responsive, and--most importantly for my project--highly knowledgable in the entertainment and intellectual property spaces. I'd work with her again in a second."

Scott S. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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5.0 (32)
Member Since:
July 28, 2020

Scott S.

Principal
Free Consultation
New York, NY
45 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
New York University School of Law

I have over 25 years' experience representing individual and company clients, large and small, in transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, private offerings of securities, commercial loans and commercial endeavors (supply contracts, manufacturing agreements, joint ventures, intellectual property licenses, etc.). My particular specialty is in complex and novel drafting.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Best attorney experience I've had. Scott S. knocked out my PPM, LPA, and subscription documents efficiently, responded fast, sweated every detail, and was completely fair on price. Exactly what you want and rarely find. Won't go anywhere else."

Brianna N. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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5.0 (2)
Member Since:
June 16, 2021

Brianna N.

Attorney
Free Consultation
New York
10 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Touro Law School

Brianna is a well-respected New York licensed attorney with a Juris Doctorate degree in law from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law School and bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Dowling College. Since becoming an attorney, she has practiced in various areas including business law, corporate law, residential real estate, commercial real estate, criminal law, traffic law, employment law, landlord tenant law, estate planning, and has represented intermediaries in procurement and the personal protective equipment industry. Brianna has broad and extensive business experience; She is an entrepreneur and co-owner of a microtechnology manufacturing company that was built by her and her partner, where she also served as the Chief Legal Officer and Human Resource Manager for the company. While building the manufacturing business, she created a brokerage firm for business transactions and has managed several other businesses which she has ownership interest in. Brianna’s involvement in these various businesses over the past 15 years provides a unique skillset to her clients; Not only does she understand contractual principals and obligations from a legal perspective while drafting and negotiating agreements, but she also has the foresight, experience, and ability to ensure the agreement reflects the practical aspects of the business. Based on the client’s needs and desired outcome, she has the forethought to cover different angles that would be overlooked from a legal standpoint, and as a result she is able to help prevent unforeseen business ramifications. She conducts extensive risk assessments on behalf of her clients and minimizes exposure to potential liability without “over lawyering” agreements. One of Brianna’s main areas of focus is drafting and negotiating agreements. Negotiation is a passion of hers which was applied in law school while she was a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society, notably winning Touro Law School’s intraschool negotiation competition. In her more recent years, Brianna has removed herself from her various business interests to focus on her law practice. Brianna has a strong moral compass and believes in quality over quantity. She treats every client as a top priority; thus, she will not take on many cases at a time because she wants to give each client the focus and attention they deserve. She has sharp attention to detail and is a forceful advocate for every client. Brianna has broad and extensive business experience; She is an entrepreneur and co-owner of a microtechnology manufacturing company that was built by her and her partner, where she also served as the Chief Legal Officer and Human Resource Manager for the company. While building the manufacturing business, she created a brokerage firm for business transactions and has managed several other businesses which she has ownership interest in. Brianna’s involvement in these various businesses over the past 15 years provides a unique skillset to her clients; Not only does she understand contractual principals and obligations from a legal perspective while drafting and negotiating agreements, but she also has the foresight, experience, and ability to ensure the agreement reflects the practical aspects of the business. Based on the client’s needs and desired outcome, she has the forethought to cover different angles that would be overlooked from a legal standpoint, and as a result she is able to help prevent unforeseen business ramifications. She conducts extensive risk assessments on behalf of her clients and minimizes exposure to potential liability without “over lawyering” agreements. Additionally, she specializes in drafting and negotiating agreements. Negotiation is a passion of hers which was applied in law school while she was a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society, notably winning Touro Law School’s intraschool negotiation competition. In her more recent years, Brianna has removed herself from her various business interests to focus on her law practice. Brianna has a strong moral compass and believes in quality over quantity. She treats every client as a top priority; thus, she will not take on many cases at a time because she wants to give each client the focus and attention they deserve. She has sharp attention to detail and is a forceful advocate for every client.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Brianna gave me a very reasonable quote compared to other bids, and she's super responsible and thorough with her job, an absolute delight to work with, highly recommended!"

Terence B. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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5.0 (45)
Member Since:
August 23, 2020

Terence B.

Partner
Free Consultation
Orlando, FL and New York, NY
15 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY FL
Georgetown University Law Center

Terry Brennan is an experienced corporate, intellectual property and emerging company transactions attorney who has been a partner at two national Wall Street law firms and a trusted corporate counsel. He focuses on providing practical, cost-efficient and creative legal advice to entrepreneurs, established enterprises and investors for business, corporate finance, intellectual property and technology transactions. As a partner at prominent law firms, Terry's work centered around financing, mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, securities transactions, outsourcing and structuring of business entities to protect, license, finance and commercialize technology, manufacturing, digital media, intellectual property, entertainment and financial assets. As the General Counsel of IBAX Healthcare Systems, Terry was responsible for all legal and related business matters including health information systems licensing agreements, merger and acquisitions, product development and regulatory issues, contract administr

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Working with Terence was quick and easy, we would highly recommend him."

Seth S. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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5.0 (2)
Member Since:
October 1, 2020

Seth S.

Attorney
Free Consultation
New York
12 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY
Touro Law School

I am an attorney admitted in NY, with over 6 years of experience drafting, reviewing and negotiating a wide array of contracts and agreements. I have experience in Sports and Entertainment, Real Estate, Healthcare, Estate Planning and with Startup Companies. I am confident I can assist you with all of your legal needs.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Seth was great! Super responsive and knowledgeable about acquisitions. He spent the time to ask questions I would have never thought of and really covered all bases. Thanks Seth!!!"

Donya G. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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4.9 (61)
Member Since:
July 11, 2020

Donya G.

Contract, M&A, E-Commerce Attorney; Contract Dispute and Dispute Resolution Specialists
Free Consultation
United States
26 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY CT
Pace University School of Law

I am a Contracts and Mergers & Acquisitions Attorney with more than 25 years of diverse legal and business experience. My practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, contract dispute resolution, and a broad range of business-related legal matters. I have extensive experience managing and closing transactions across a variety of industries, including SaaS, IT, eCommerce, franchises, agencies, and food services. I take a practical, business-oriented approach to transactions, helping clients efficiently navigate complex deals from initial structuring and negotiation through execution and closing. My combined legal, litigation, financial, and business experience allows me to deliver strategic, efficient, and practical solutions tailored to my clients’ objectives, whether in deal negotiations, contract structuring, dispute resolution, or complex business transactions

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Donya was an amazing partner and was very patient and diligent in dealing with the APA and OA. I highly recommend her as she knows her stuff, is confident, and always has your back."

Matthew S. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View Matthew
4.9 (12)
Member Since:
August 5, 2020

Matthew S.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Flemington, NJ
42 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY NJ
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University)

I am a 1984 graduate of the Benjamin N Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University) and have been licensed in New Jersey for over 35 years. I have extensive experience in negotiating real estate, business contracts, and loan agreements. Depending on your needs I can work remotely or face-to-face. I offer prompt and courteous service and can tailor a contract and process to meet your needs.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Matthew was prompt and professional and satisfied all requirements of my request!"

John B. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
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Member Since:
July 13, 2020

John B.

Managing Partner
Free Consultation
New York, NY
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY NJ
New York Law School

John Benemerito is the Founder and Managing Partner of Benemerito Attorneys at Law. Admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey, John represents small business owners and startups in the areas of Business and Securities Law. John received his Bachelors Degree at John Jay College of Criminal Justice where he majored in Criminal Justice. Afterwards, he attended New York Law School where he focused his studies on Corporate and Securities Law. John comes from a family of entrepreneurs. From as far back as he can remember he was always involved in his family’s numerous businesses. At the age of fifteen, John entered into a new business venture with his father and managed to grow and maintain that business through high school, college and law school.John is currently a co founder in over five different businesses. After law school, John decided that he wanted to help people like himself. He opened his own law practice and began working primarily with small business owners until he was introduced into the startup world. Ever since that time, John has worked with hundreds of startups and thousands of entrepreneurs from all different backgrounds in helping them achieve their goals. Having been an entrepreneur his entire life, John understands what it takes to create and maintain a successful business. He enjoys sitting down and working with his clients in figuring out each of their unique challenges.

Aaron M. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View Aaron
Member Since:
July 16, 2020

Aaron M.

Shareholder
Free Consultation
New York, NY
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY NJ
Fordham University School of Law

Aaron focuses his practice on entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies, providing general counsel services for companies from formation through exit. Aaron frequently advises clients in connection with routine and unique legal, business, and strategic decisions, including corporate, business and technology transactions, angel and venture financings, mergers and acquisitions, protection of intellectual property, and information privacy and data security.

Jaclyn I. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View Jaclyn
Member Since:
September 10, 2020

Jaclyn I.

Attorney
Free Consultation
New York, NY
16 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY NJ
Hofstra University, Maurice A. Deane School of Law (J.D.)

Jaclyn is an experienced intellectual property and transactional attorney residing and working in NYC, and serving clients throughout the United States and internationally. She brings a targeted breadth of knowledge in intellectual property law, having years of experience working within the media, theater, PR and communications industries, and having represented clients in the music, entertainment, fashion, event production, digital media, tech, food/beverage, consumer goods, and beauty industries. She is an expert in trademark, copyright, and complex media and entertainment law matters. Jaclyn also taught as an Adjunct Professor at Cardozo School of Law, having developed and instructed the school’s first Trademark Practicum course for international students. In her spare time, Jaclyn’s passion for theater and love for NYC keeps her exploring the boundless creativity in the world’s greatest city!

Jeffrey P. - Copyright Lawyer in Rochester, New York
View Jeffrey
Member Since:
August 24, 2020

Jeffrey P.

Member
Free Consultation
Deerfield Beach, FL
17 Yrs Experience
Licensed in NY FL
Florida State University College of Law

Mr. Pomeranz serves as the principal of Pomeranz Law PLLC, a boutique law firm representing clients across myriad industries and verticals. Before founding the firm, Mr. Pomeranz served as Senior Vice President, Legal & Compliance and General Counsel of Mortgage Connect, LP in 2017. Mr. Pomeranz also served as Counsel, Transactions for Altisource Portfolio Solutions S.A. (NASDAQ: ASPS) beginning in 2013, and was based in the company’s C-Suite in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. Mr. Pomeranz began his career with Mainline Information Systems, Inc. as an in-house attorney.

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Copyright Legal Questions and Answers

Copyright

Copyright Search

Arizona

Asked on Apr 2, 2025

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.

Answered Apr 11, 2025

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Copyright

Photography Usage Rights Agreement

California

Asked on Oct 6, 2024

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.

Answered Oct 22, 2024

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

Read 1 attorney answer>

Copyright

Music License Agreement

Massachusetts

Asked on Jul 31, 2025

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.

Answered Sep 14, 2025

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Copyright

Copyright License Agreement

California

Asked on Jul 29, 2025

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.

Answered Sep 14, 2025

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Copyright

Content Licensing Agreement

California

Asked on Nov 27, 2024

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.

Answered Dec 6, 2024

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

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