Helpful Articles

Author Marketing Questionnaire -- An Author's Most Important Writing Assignment (Lloyd J. Jassin)
The Author Questionnaire provides a publisher with invaluable guidance on sales, promotion and publicity opportunities.

Copyright Termination (Lloyd J. Jassin)
The Copyright Act gives authors two opportunities to get back ownership of their copyrights. This article explains how authors and artists (and their heirs) can recapture their pre-1978 copyrights. 

Negotiating Collaboration Agreements- How to Avoid Common Business and Legal Mistakes (Lloyd J. Jassin)
Suggestions and information on working with collaborators and ghostwriters. Based on an article that first appeared in the Authors Guild Bulletin.

Electronic Rights: Structuring the Rights Relationship (Lloyd Jassin)
With rapid advances in new technology, old contracts are being dusted off and language reviewed to determine who controls e-book rights. Article looks at the recent Random House v. RosettaBooks case.

Electronic Rights An interview with Lloyd J. Jassin. Reprinted from Managing Publishing Rights by publishing consultant, Jack McHugh.

Fair Use in a Nutshell (Lloyd J. Jassin)  
An easy-to-understand 16-step roadmap to copyright's most important exception. Assess if quoting without permission is fair use.

Fighting Facebook “Name Squatters” (Lloyd J. Jassin)
How to prevent Facebook "username-squatter" from stealing your brand or name.

Final Drafts: Selecting a Literary Executor (Lloyd J. Jassin & Ronald Finkelstein)
Advance planning is critical to ensure your literary legacy is protected after you die. This article explores how to select a Literary Executor, and his or her duties.

Locating Copyright Holders  (Lloyd J. Jassin)
Database of contact information for authors, artists, playwrights, publishers, and other rights holders. Adapted from The Copyright Permission and Libel Handbook by Jassin & Schechter.

New Rules for Using Public Domain Materials (Lloyd J. Jassin)
An explanation on the proper use of public domain materials. Originally published in the PMA Newsletter.

PMA's Commitment to Free Speech (Lloyd J. Jassin)
First Amendment highlights from the past year. Originally published in the PMA Newsletter.

The Proper Use of Trademarks (Lloyd J. Jassin)
Trademark owners need to police the way their trademarks are used.  Here are some helfpul guidelines on how to maintain your trademark.

Trademark Law & Book Titles (Lloyd J. Jassin)
How to Use Trademark Law to Create Multiple Passive Income Streams & Avert Legal Battles

Ten Common Copyright Permission Myths (Lloyd J. Jassin)
A clear and concise discussion of copyright myths in question and answer format.

Trade Dress Protection: How to Tell a Book by Its Cover (Lloyd J. Jassin)
Explores how distinctive book jackets and product configurations may be protected under trademark law.

Trademark Basics (Lloyd J. Jassin)
How to choose and protect a business name or logo. The article discusses proper "trademark grammar," protection of domain names and literary titles. Includes a helpful checklist.

What Every Publisher Should Know About Publishers Liability Insurance (Lloyd J. Jassin & Steven C. Schechter) Adapted from The Copyright Permission and Libel Handbook by Jassin & Schechter.

What Not to Miss When Negotiating Your Publishing Agreement (Lloyd J. Jassin)
A book contract should anticipate potential problems by setting down in writing all of the parties' rights and obligations. A book contract checklist.

When Does a Movie Infringe a Novel's Copyright? (Lloyd J. Jassin)
Explores the thin blue line between permissible and impermissible copying. Originally published in Screenwriter Magazine.

Work for Hire Agreements (Lloyd J. Jassin)
Tips for publishers and producers on how to avoid copyright disputes. This article answers the question, "Who owns the copyright?"

MISCELLANEOUS

Interview with Lloyd Jassin (Kelly Sargent)
Explores the nature of copyright and fair use.Originally published in AOL's "The Writers Club."

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is not intended as legal advice. Because the law is not static, and one situation may differ from the next, we cannot assume responsibility for any actions taken based on information contained herein. Also, be aware that the law may vary from state. Therefore, this website cannot replace the advice of an experienced attorney. Receipt of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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Co-author of The Copyright Permission & Libel Handbook (John Wiley & Sons)

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