Legally Fiction Workshop

The kerfluffle with Cassie Edwards got you wondering about how to protect yourself legally, or take steps to avoid infringing on other people's work? Then here's a workshop you can't miss!

Orange County Chapter of RWA presents:
Legally Fiction by Amanda Brice
March 11-April 13,

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Do you know whether or not you can quote song lyrics in your manuscript? Are you wondering if you should trademark something from your high concept story?

Do you want to know how to protect your work and avoid infringing onother people's rights?

If you answered "Yes" to any of these questions, this is the class for you.

Developed by an intellectual property attorney who is also a fiction author, this workshop will lead you by the hand through the murky waters of legalese. Participants will learn the basics of copyrights, trademarks, and the laws of cyberspace. Topics will include:

** What is a copyright?
** What does copyright protect?
** Copyrightable subject matter
** Fair use
** Public domain
** Plagiarism
** Copyright and characters
** Song lyrics
** Digital copyright issues
** Special issues related to book trailers, website, etc.
** What is a trademark?
** How does one obtain a trademark registration?
** What does a trademark protect?
** Trademark and characters
** Trademark and titles/series/pen names
** Using trademarks in your writing
** First Amendment issues
** Slander and libel
** Basic publishing contract law

Students will be assigned some light case reading in addition to the posted lectures, but no previous legal background is required. (We promise!)

Disclaimer: As with any legal issues, you should always check with your own legal professional to verify you are in full compliance with the law. We are not responsible for any errors and omissions presented in the workshop materials or discussed in the online classroom.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR:
In her day job (under her real name), author Amanda Brice is an intellectual property attorney for a federal government agency in the Washington, DC area. Prior to her current position, Amanda worked on Capitol Hill for the House of Representatives' Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property, and in the General Counsel's Office of the U.S. Copyright Office. She holds a law degree from Arizona State University and an LL.M. in Intellectual Property from The George Washington University Law School.

Under her real name, she has published numerous law review and magazine articles on the topics of copyright, trademark, and cyberlaw, and writes adult and young adult chick lit and romantic comedy under her pen name Amanda Brice.

Check out her web site for more details on her upcoming titles at http://www.amandabrice.com/.