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Copyrights for Creatives

As a digital nomad freelancer, which law applies to my IP contracts?

It depends on the "Governing Law" clause in your contract. If you are tax resident in Georgia and working from here, it is often beneficial to have Georgian law apply, or ensure that the contract complies with international norms. If you work for US/EU clients, they may insist on their local laws. We help review these foreign contracts to ensure you don't accidentally sign away rights like moral rights, which are inalienable in Georgia.

Do I lose my rights if I sell a physical painting or design?

Selling a physical object (like a canvas) does not automatically transfer the copyright (the right to reproduce, make copies, or merchandise). Unless you sign a specific written agreement transferring the economic copyright, you retain the right to make prints or use the image digitally, even if the client owns the physical original.

How can I ensure I get paid royalties?

Royalty protection starts with a clear contract. Instead of a "work made for hire" flat fee, you can negotiate a licensing deal where you get a percentage of sales or usage. We draft contracts with audit clauses, allowing you to check the client's sales records to ensure you are receiving the correct royalty amounts.

Can I protect my style or artistic technique?

Copyright protects specific works (a specific painting, song, or text), not a general artistic style, technique, or "vibe." However, if someone imitates your work so closely that it becomes a "substantial copy" or creates confusion in the market (Unfair Competition), legal action may be possible. We analyze case-by-case to see if the line has been crossed.

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Copyrights for Creatives: Legal Protection and Management

Representatives of the creative industry — artists, designers, musicians, photographers, writers — are often legally vulnerable. People involved in the creative process frequently fail to sign written agreements or sign contracts where they assign all rights to the client for minimal compensation. In Georgia, copyright protects any original work from the moment of creation, but practically realizing and defending this right requires knowledge. How to protect a sketch from theft? How to structure an order so you retain portfolio rights? These questions concern every freelancer and creative professional.

Legal.ge offers specialized legal services tailored to creatives. Our lawyers will help you register your works, audit contracts, and manage rights. Our goal is to ensure your talent is not only appreciated but also legally protected.

What Does Copyrights for Creatives Service Cover?

Our service covers all legal aspects of the creative process:

  • Rights Deposition: Registering works (songs, logos, scripts) with Sakpatenti, creating indisputable proof of authorship.
  • Freelancer Contracts: Drafting service agreements clearly delineating which rights transfer to the client and which remain with the author.
  • Co-Authorship Agreements: Regulating rights and revenue distribution for group projects (e.g., music bands, film production).
  • Portfolio Protection: Legal mechanisms allowing the author to use commissioned work in their own portfolio, even if economic rights were transferred.
  • Agency Relations: Reviewing contracts for models, actors, and artists with agencies and producers.
  • Social Media Protection: Preventing unauthorized use (reposting without credit) of works on Instagram and other networks.

Common Situations and Scenarios

A typical scenario is logo design. A designer created a logo for a company based on a verbal agreement. The company paid and started using the logo. Later, the designer saw the logo was altered and distorted. Since there was no written contract transferring rights, the designer retains the moral right to the integrity of the work. A lawyer helps enforce this right.

Another scenario involves a wedding photographer. The photographer took photos, but the couple refused to allow their publication in a portfolio. A lawyer drafts a contract in advance balancing privacy protection with the author's self-promotion needs.

Georgian Legislation and Legal Framework

The field is regulated by the Law on Copyright and Related Rights. The law distinguishes between the author's economic (sellable) and moral (name, reputation) rights. The registry of works maintained by Sakpatenti is an important preventive measure.

Process of Receiving Services

The client contacts us and explains their activity. The lawyer conducts an audit: are contracts signed, are works registered? Then necessary documents (templates) are prepared. In case of a dispute, we send warnings to infringers. Legal.ge offers affordable packages for individual creatives.

You create art, we protect it. Ensure your rights are secured.

Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?

The specifics of the creative field require a lawyer who understands the industry language. On Legal.ge, you will find specialists who work with artists and know how to protect them without hindering the creative process.

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