A Professional Copyright Search

You want to use a photo, film, or other item but you need to be sure it is not Copyrighted. Quick answers are yours by e-mailing or calling Scott Tambert ( ) at Alexander Media LLC. About a third of our searches are resolved during the initial free consultation.

Firms such as Discovery Networks, Miramax Films, Walt Disney Company, and many other rely on us for Copyright cleared images.  The documentation we provide satisfies their legal departments and this information is put in the "Rights Bible" they keep about their projects. Scott Tambert is the author of How to Use Images Legally , a book used by such organizations as The New York Times Photo Department and Time-Life Books.  He has investigated the Copyright status of thousands of pictures, motion pictures, newsreels, short films, magazine issues, paintings, books, maps, musical compositions, dramas, and sound recordings. His Background in television production and publishing brings a practical understanding of your needs for quick and sure results. Our offices in Washington, D.C. are within walking distance of the U.S. Copyright Office.

The U.S. Copyright Office also performs searches. They do a good job, but...

Unlike the U.S. Copyright Office, we accept credit cards for all orders. There are no forms to fill out, no checks to cut and mail. No post office delays. No bureaucracy. One call or e-mail gets us started.

Understandable, Actionable Results

The U.S. Copyright Office will not tell you what the results of your Copyright search mean.  "We cannot offer interpretations of our findings,"  The U.S. Copyright Office writes. "Nothing in a search report should be considered as expressing or implying any opinion... on questions involving the validity of a Copyright, the sufficiency of compliance with legal requirements, the possibility of infringement, or the ownership of rights."  (What is a Search Report, U.S. Copyright Office)  

In fact, Copyright Office employees are prohibited from giving specific legal advice on many aspects of Copyright. ( Code of Federal Regulations, title 37, chapter II)

While we cannot give you legal advice, we do give you all the pros and cons about using your item and tell you what we would do if it were our project. Our background in publishing and television production brings a practical understanding of your concerns and needs.  After giving you the relevant facts, we summarize our report with a Red, Yellow, or Green Light to aid you in your own decision.

Bottom Line

There are advantages to having the U.S. Copyright office do a Certified Search for you, and we recommend it in some cases. Most of our clients use our services first, saving time and money, and then confirm a select few searches with a Certified Search from the U.S. Copyright Office. 

Compare Actual Reports

See some actual Copyright Searches we have done, and compare them to actual U.S. Copyright Office Reports.  

 

Some Actual Copyright Reports	Click on Thumbnail to See Full Size Report
No Registration or Renewal Found	Our Report	U.S. Copyright Office  Report
Registration Found, No Renewal Found	Our Report	U.S. Copyright Office  Report
Registration and Renewal Found	Our Report	Still waiting for the U.S. Copyright Office report...

Compare Services

	Our Report	U.S. Copyright Office Report
Time	3-5 business days	Up to 6 weeks
Cost	Flat Fee, $90	Hourly, $150
Terms	Pay by Credit Card	Cut and mail a check, wait for U.S. Mail delivery
Results	Details and Law Citations, Pros and Cons, Green, Yellow or Red Light	Prohibited by law from answering questions involving the validity of a Copyright

Quick, Cost Effective, and Reducing the Guesswork

Now you can get a quick answer and some clarity to your Copyright questions for rights and clearances. Contact us for a free consultation; about a third of our searches are resolved during the initial free consultation.