Business Tips – Streaming.Lawyer

My Virtual Assistant (VA) and Tips

After two months of research, I’ve selected TimeEtc as my law firm, and my personal, virtual assistant. I’m joining Google, Skype, Facebook and the Marriott in trusting TimeEtc to help my firm with completing “everyday” tasks including administration, organization, writing, marketing, social media, researching, selling, and so much more.

Full disclosure, I do have a business relationship with TimeEtc. But here’s the deal, the only reason I have this relationship is because I’m impressed with the quality of service and trust this company to take exceptional care of my firm’s valued clients and other essential needs.

You might find it interesting to know that the TimeEtc 10-step VA selection process was designed by Sir Richard Branson’s former Executive Assistant. It’s so tough that only a fraction of those who apply make it through (something like 1 out of every 500). If the awe-inspiring people and companies posted at the TimeEtc website trust the service, I believe you can too.

To learn more about TimeEtc or to try the service for free, I invite you to learn more or get started by clicking here!

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Virtual Assistant Tips

Set Things Up: Take a couple of minutes and set things up. TimeEtc allows me to select a general VA for most of my tasks or, select various specialist. All my options are available in the easy to use drop-down VA selection lists.

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Three Simple Ways Katy Perry Could Have Avoided Creative Copyright Infringement

The lawsuit against Katy Perry’s copyright infringement for her smash hit, “Dark Horse”, has come to a close. The singer was found guilty for copyright infringement in August 2019, and it cost her a whopping $2.78 million.

While the defense team argued Perry used basic pop music building blocks for the song, the jury found otherwise. The lesson to be learned is that one can never be too careful.

So what steps can creatives take to avoid getting sued for copyright infringement?

Be inspired, but don’t copy.

There’s a blurred line between saying one was inspired by a creative piece, and actually “taking” a part of it for your original idea. Even if Perry had admitted to using another artist’s song as inspiration for “Dark Horse”, the verdict shows that she was inspired a bit too much. The lesson here: admire others, but stay 100% original. If you question whether it may violate copyright laws, it probably does.

If you really love something, ask permission.

So let’s say you really, really love a song (or photograph or painting, etc.) and want to use some of it in your music (or artwork, etc.), you’re better off just asking and getting written permission. Find out who the owner is and ask if you could use it or have a license to use it. It’ll be a hit or miss (and may even cost you some — or a lot — of money), but it’s better than getting sued later on.

When in doubt, look it up.

If you have any questions regarding copyright — including how much of a work you can use (and in what manner) — definitely consider talking to a lawyer or doing some research through the U.S. Copyright Office website. Their FAQ page at the Copyright Office site has tons of answers you may be searching for, too.