U.S. Copyright Act: Primary federal legislation (17 U.S.C. ยงยง 101-1401) governing copyright law in the United States, which provides the fundamental framework for copyright protection and transfer
Copyright Term Extension Act: Legislation that extended copyright terms in the United States and must be considered when determining the duration of transferred rights
Digital Millennium Copyright Act: Federal law addressing digital copyright issues and online rights management, relevant for digital works and online distribution rights
Written Instrument Requirement: Legal requirement under 17 U.S.C. ยง 204(a) stating that transfer of copyright ownership must be in writing and signed by the owner
Work for Hire Doctrine: Legal concept determining original copyright ownership in employment and commissioned work contexts
Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA): Legislation providing moral rights protection for works of visual art, which may affect the scope of transferable rights
Termination Rights: Statutory rights under 17 U.S.C. ยงยง 203, 304(c) allowing authors to terminate copyright transfers after a specified period
State Contract Laws: State-specific contract formation and enforcement rules that apply alongside federal copyright law
Uniform Commercial Code: State-adopted uniform law governing commercial transactions, which may apply to certain aspects of copyright transfers
Federal Preemption Rules: Legal principles determining when federal copyright law preempts state law
Berne Convention: International treaty setting standards for cross-border copyright protection and recognition of rights
International Copyright Treaties: Various international agreements affecting copyright protection and enforcement across national borders
