Explore 7 court opinions on Copyright Ownership. AI-powered plain English summaries, key holdings, and legal analysis.
7 recent cases analyzed in this topic area.
CAFC: Government control over software specs not enough for work-for-hire
Lesko v. United States, decided by Federal Circuit on January 30, 2026, resulted in a defendant win outcome. The case concerns the interpretation of the "control" prong of the "work for hire" doctrine...
Ninth Circuit Affirms Summary Judgment in Defamation Case
Sedlik v. Von Drachenberg, decided by Ninth Circuit on January 2, 2026, resulted in a defendant win outcome. The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's grant of summary judgment to the defendants...
Work for Hire Doctrine: US Not Copyright Owner of Lesko's Work
Lesko v. United States, decided by Federal Circuit on December 12, 2025, resulted in a plaintiff win outcome. The case concerns the interpretation of the "control" prong of the "work for hire" doctrin...
Work-for-hire agreement insufficient for copyright transfer of architectural plans
Design Gaps, Inc. v. Distinctive Design & Construction LLC, decided by Fourth Circuit on December 5, 2025, resulted in a defendant win outcome. The Fourth Circuit addressed whether a "work made for hi...
Neighbor's zoning opposition doesn't violate RLUIPA or First Amendment
Cedar Park Assembly of God of Kirkland, Washington v. Patty Kuderer, decided by Ninth Circuit on July 29, 2025, resulted in a defendant win outcome. The Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court's gra...
Copyright Assignment Invalid, Infringement Claim Fails
Benshot, LLC v. 2 Monkey Trading, LLC, decided by Eleventh Circuit on July 9, 2025, resulted in a defendant win outcome. The Eleventh Circuit affirmed the district court's grant of summary judgment to...
Copyright claim fails over unoriginal board game elements
Off. Create Corp. v. Planet Ent., LLC, decided by Second Circuit on June 10, 2025, resulted in a defendant win outcome. The Second Circuit affirmed the district court's dismissal of a copyright infrin...