Susan Spann, Attorney: Contracts, Authors, Copyright

Join Felice Gerwitz and her very special guest, attorney, Susan Spann. Susan is an expert literary contracts. She will discuss the nuances of contract language in regards to an author, the importance of author's rights, the meaning of "derivative works" and how to know whether they're covered in a contract. Often forgotten contract information such as termination clauses, and sales reporting requirements. These areas are often confusing to authors and Susan will explain important information to know. Copyright infringement will also be covered as well as plagiarism and the ramifications. Most people don't even realize it's illegal. Pivotal to an author is the discussion of copyright infringement on the author's works and ways to guard against this. Susan Spann is a practicing attorney and partner in the California law firm of Llewellyn † Spann. She has over ten years’ experience in intellectual property, publishing, and contract law, and also practices in the areas of corporate law, business transactions, and estate planning. Her publishing clients include traditional book and magazine publishers, web-based publishers, independent authors (both traditionally and self-published), and developers of e-books and digital apps. She has authored numerous published articles on topics including copyright, trademark and publishing law. Before founding her law firm in 2004, Susan also worked as an attorney with a large firm in the L.A. area, served as in-house counsel for a major telecommunications provider, and taught at Trinity Law School, where she also served as a member of the faculty senate and Associate Academic Dean. Susan currently lives outside Sacramento, California with her husband, teenage son, three cats and and one very opinionated cockatiel.