"Calfee does phenomenal work and has become our go-to firm for IP services."
Client quote, Chambers USA
Overview
Strategic Copyright Protection and Management: Ohio, National, and Global Services
Calfee’s dedicated copyright law attorneys work closely with clients to develop comprehensive strategies for managing, protecting, and exploiting their creative assets. Whether you are an individual, a software developer, or a global corporation, we ensure your intellectual property is secure while helping you navigate the complexities of creating new works without infringing the rights of others.
Our team provides a full spectrum of services to safeguard your creative investments:
- Copyright Protection and Registration: We handle the preparation and filing of copyright applications to secure protection for your works.
- Licensing Copyrighted Works: Our attorneys negotiate and draft licensing and merchandising agreements, allowing you to monetize your assets effectively.
- Acquisition and Sale: We advise on the strategic acquisition and sale of copyright rights and portfolios.
- Support for New Creations: We develop strategies for creating new works without infringing the rights of others, providing guidance on fair use and clearance.
Copyright Dispute Resolution and Litigation
When your rights are challenged or you face allegations of misuse, you need an experienced legal team in your corner. Our attorneys represent clients in federal courts and before federal agencies concerning a wide range of copyrighted materials.
Our litigation services include:
- Copyright Infringement Litigation: We prosecute and defend claims of infringement, protecting your market position and reputation.
- Digital and Software Disputes: We address complex issues related to software piracy, digital content distribution, and unauthorized use.
- Enforcement Actions: We take decisive action to stop unauthorized reproduction and distribution of your protected works.
Noteworthy
Chambers USA Leading Law Firm Rankings
Since 2004, Calfee has been recognized as a Leading Law Firm for Intellectual Property by Chambers USA, most recently in Band 1 in Ohio (2025).
Clients provided feedback to Chambers USA researchers, "Calfee is esteemed for its handling of IP litigation and portfolio management on behalf of large clients in Ohio and the Midwest and across the USA. The IP team is highly experienced in the engineering, chemical, and biological sectors, with notable abilities in handling matters for consumer products and manufacturing clients. The team is responsive, practical, and extremely knowledgeable."
Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms” Rankings
Calfee was selected for inclusion in the 2026 "Best Law Firms" rankings in Copyright Law (Regional Tier 2 Cleveland).
Professionals
Professionals
Experience
Experience
- Counsel for a global software company in a case involving copyright and trademark infringement and trade secret misappropriation. Promptly obtained entry of preliminary injunction on behalf of the plaintiff. The case was favorably resolved on terms that required the defendants to stop providing all services related to the plaintiff’s software and pay a settlement fee.
- Representing acclaimed tattoo artists in a copyright infringement action resulting from the unauthorized reproduction of artwork by a major video game maker.
- Defended a financial institution in defense of copyright infringement claims resulting from the alleged distribution of copyrighted publications in violation of a subscription agreement. Obtained favorable settlement.
- Represented a software company to enforce copyrights resulting from a former customer’s unauthorized hacking of the license key and unauthorized use of the software. Obtained a favorable settlement.
- Defended a jewelry company in claims asserting copyrights in shapes for popular children’s bracelets; obtained a favorable settlement.
- Represented an author and toy maker in building a copyright portfolio and related strategy.
- Counsel for a nonprofit organization on the protection and licensing of copyrights in teaching materials.
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