Calling all authors and publishers: Want some free legal advice?

(Roseville) - Happy Birthd . . ., whoops! Better not go there until the judge rules on its copyright status. (Really. See http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2015/07/29/unwrapping-the-happy-birthday-legal-dispute/.)

Copyright issues (What does Fair Use mean?), and using song titles or lyrics, product or business names, even those quotes we like to use at the beginning of chapters — what’s legal and what might generate a lawsuit? What about photographs (Grandpa’s image may not be yours to use in your memoir)? Did you know that gravestones are copyrighted?

Attorney Patty Zurlo will answer these questions and more (bring yours) at September’s MIPA meeting, the first one of the season. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9, beginning at 7 p.m. at our new meeting site, the Midland Hills Country Club, located at 2001 Fulham St., Roseville, MN 55113.

About Patty Zurlo

Attorney Patty Zurlo helps creative individuals and organizations bridge the gap between creativity, business, and legal issues. As a professional classical musician and fiber artist, she understands the unique legal issues writers and artists face in their businesses.

MIPA meetings are held on the second Wednesday of every month between September and April. They are free and open to the public. Membership is not required to attend a meeting. For more information, visit www.mipa.org.