What Every Author Needs to Know About COPYRIGHT Laws with Claire Waldeck

What every author should know about copyright law. #writelearnandearn #copyrightlaw

What happens when someone steals your intellectual property as an author?
In this powerful conversation, Claire Waldeck, a specialist in intellectual property law, particularly trademark law, copyright law and commercial law, breaks down the real-world risks facing authors, speakers, coaches, and creative entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever wondered who actually owns your book cover, your illustrations, your workshop name, or your brand identity, this episode is a must-watch.

Claire guides us through the practical, often misunderstood parts of protecting your creative work, from copyright assignments to trademark searches, conflicting trademark classes, moral rights, portrait protections, and exactly when an illustrator or designer can (or shouldn’t) reuse your work.

Whether you’re writing a book, building a speaking business, designing courses, or growing a personal brand, Claire offers clear, accessible legal insights to help you protect your story, your ideas, and your intellectual property before someone else claims it.


00:00 – What happens when someone steals your intellectual property as an author?
00:00:38 – Why did Cla choose to specialise in copyright law?
00:01:17 – What does it feel like to see your clients’ intellectual property protected in the real world?
00:01:44 – Who actually owns a book cover design in copyright law?
00:02:52 – Does paying a designer automatically give you copyright ownership?
00:03:36 – Why do authors need a written copyright assignment agreement?
00:04:48 – What happens when an illustrator uses real people as references (e.g., an author’s child)?
00:05:16 – Can an illustrator sell unused illustrations to someone else?
00:05:49 – When does the commissioner own the copyright in a portrait?
00:06:41 – Can someone use your photo publicly without consent?
00:06:13 – Do authors need to protect book titles, talk names, and workshop names with trademarks?
00:06:44 – When is the best time to start the trademark process?
00:07:01 – What is a trademark infringement search and why does it matter?
00:07:23 – What do trademark classes mean (e.g., Class 9, Class 16)?
00:08:12 – How long does the trademark registration process take?
00:08:43 – How long is a trademark valid and how often must it be renewed?
00:09:03 – What kinds of things can be trademarked (names, logos, sounds, positions)?
00:09:16 – Do you need separate trademarks for books, talks, and workshops?
00:09:54 – What happens if someone trademarks your name or title in a different class?
00:10:23 – How can similar trademarks exist (like Cobra floor polish vs Cobra taps)?
00:11:01 – What are conflicting classes and how does the registrar decide?

Connect with Kim Vermaak
  / kimvermaak  
https://www.writelearnandearn.co.za


Connect with Claire Waldeck
  / claire-waldeck-5a9730107  
www.waldeckattorneys.co.za
[email protected]