Comments on: Who Inherits Your Copyrights?

By: Do You Need a Literary Executor? | Writers In The Storm Blog

Do You Need a Literary Executor? | Writers In The Storm Blog — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 11:01:47 +0000

[…] An author’s estate plan may simply transfer ownership of copyrights to one or more named beneficiaries (or “heirs”), who then will own and manage the rights directly. When heirs have the proper business skills to manage copyrights, this is often the simplest and most cost-effective choice. […]

By: Tedd Galloway

Tedd Galloway — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:24:12 +0000

In reply to Lorna's Voice. As a writer what might some advantages be having an LLC?

By: Lorna's Voice

Lorna's Voice — Mon, 06 May 2013 16:01:33 +0000

In reply to Susan Spann. Thanks so much! And sorry for the late reply--too much going on!

By: Peter DeHaan

Peter DeHaan — Wed, 01 May 2013 21:43:46 +0000

Wow! Thanks so much for sharing this. I have a trust, but never gave a thought to copyrights. You're wonderful!

By: Tedd Galloway

Tedd Galloway — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:26:13 +0000

Thanks for the information. I am an aspiring writer who has had limited success with my first book. The potential future is unknown and that potential needs planning and protection,

By: The End is Near (and we deserve it) . . . Deported for Being “Too Handsome” « Bayard & Holmes

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:23:14 +0000

[...] Who Inherits Your Copyrights? Another outstanding article from publishing attorney and historical fiction author Susan Spann for Writers In the Storm. [...]

By: Susan Spann

Susan Spann — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:51:20 +0000

In reply to Jenny Hansen. Hi Jenny - You're in California (like me) so a handwritten (holographic) will is valid here. It doesn't have to be notarized but it does have to be witnessed by two people who are not beneficiaries. It also has to be handwritten (in its entirety). Having an LLC can complicate the issue, because if the LLC owns your copyrights you reduce the applicable copyright term and can also have some other legal issues relating to copyright ownership based on state law. This is something we might want to chat about "off the grid" at some point. I'll be glad to talk with you privately about it.

By: Susan Spann

Susan Spann — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:47:17 +0000

In reply to P. T. Bradley. The good news is, if you're still able to read this, it's not too late! Probably, an amendment to the will should take care of all your needs.

By: Susan Spann

Susan Spann — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:46:31 +0000

In reply to Lorna's Voice. With an LLC, you may not have inheritance issues because the LLC will not terminate upon your death. That said, if the LLC owns your copyrights, the term of copyright will be shortened - it won't extend life of the author + 70 years as it does normally because the owner of the copyrights is an institution, which has only a 95 year copyright term. It's important to get special legal review of that situation, by an attorney in your state who specializes in both business and copyrights (the role I fill here in California) to make sure your situation is optimized.

By: Susan Spann

Susan Spann — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:44:14 +0000

In reply to Cassie. Thank you, Cassie, I'm glad I could be of help.