U.S. Copyright Act: Title 17 of the United States Code - The fundamental federal law governing copyright protection and transfers in the United States
Copyright Law of 1976: Primary federal copyright legislation that, along with its amendments, forms the basis of modern U.S. copyright law
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA): Federal law addressing digital copyright issues and technological protection measures
Work Made for Hire Provisions: 17 U.S.C. �� 201(b) provisions governing ownership of works created in employment or commissioned contexts
State Contract Laws: State-specific laws governing contract formation, validity, and enforcement applicable to copyright assignments
Written Instrument Requirement: 17 U.S.C. �� 204(a) requirement that copyright transfers must be in writing and signed by the copyright owner
Effects Associates v. Cohen Case Law: Significant case law establishing precedent for written requirements in copyright transfers
Community for Creative Non-Violence v. Reid Case Law: Supreme Court case defining work-for-hire relationships and copyright ownership
Berne Convention: International treaty setting standards for cross-border copyright protection and enforcement
Universal Copyright Convention: International copyright treaty providing copyright protection between signatory countries
WIPO Copyright Treaty: International treaty addressing copyright protection in the digital age
