
Marketplace All-in-One What are royalties, trademark and copyright?
Nov 11, 2025
In this discussion, the Wright Brothers, a small family-run law firm, break down the essentials of copyright, trademark, and royalties. They explain how original works are automatically protected and the significance of registration. Junior associate Megan Merkel dives into modern payment issues, comparing streaming payouts to traditional royalties. She highlights concerns around AI's impact on copyright, revealing the legal complexities creators now face. The conversation uncovers the challenges of ensuring fair compensation for creative work in today’s digital landscape.
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Backyard Movie Scheme Gone Wrong
- Ryan describes screening an illegally pirated copy of Avatar and charging neighbors to watch it.
- He learned that profiting from someone else's intellectual property is illegal and risky.
Copyright Is Automatic But Registration Matters
- Copyright exists the moment you finish an original work, like a song or story.
- To enforce it legally you should register the work with the government for a fee and added protections.
Finish Work Before Claiming Copyright
- Don't try to copyright unfinished ideas or methods; finish the work first.
- You cannot sue someone for stealing an idea you never completed or recorded.






