Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Illinois

What happens to copyright materials after someone dies? Do they automatically go to the children? Do they need to fill a form of transfer?

I will retain the attorney that answer my question.


Asked on 3/06/12, 10:10 am

2 Answers from Attorneys

Clifford Hyra Hyra IP, PLC

They pass along with the rest of the decedent's estate, either under a will or by state law. The person who inherits the copyrights should file a transfer of ownership with the Copyright Office, to make their ownership public and to make it easier for interested parties to contact the new owner or owner's representative.

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Answered on 3/06/12, 10:18 am
Bruce Burdick Burdick Law Firm

No, they go to the heirs either by will or state intestacy laws. The heir or heirs should file an assignment from the executor or administrator of the estate to document the ownership publicly. This Assignment should be prepared by an intellectual property law attorney anc filed at the Copyright Office.

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Answered on 3/07/12, 12:58 am


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