How Do I Legally Protect My Work?

What happens if your idea gets copied before you’ve had a chance to bring it to life? Do you actually “own” your work the moment you create it? And when does sharing your project turn from a collaboration into a risky proposition? On this episode of First Frame, hosts Jennifer Park and Cameron Zinger sit down with entertainment lawyer Mark Edwards, Managing Partner at Edwards Creative Law, to unpack the legal realities every creator eventually runs into whether they’re ready or not. From copyright fundamentals and the myths around “mailing it to yourself,” to the difference between legal and moral rights, Mark breaks down how ownership and protection actually work in practice. Their conversation also covers fair dealing, the role of option agreements, and some common contractual red flags that can quietly reshape a deal in ways creators don’t expect. Mark also shares what happens when disputes do arise, and why documentation is often the difference between resolution and escalation when things go sideways. **Timecodes:** (1:57) What is Edwards Creative Law? (2:36) What is copyright, and what are the biggest misconceptions surrounding it? (6:19) Legal rights vs. moral rights in copyright law (9:35) Fair dealing/Fair use: how and when it comes into play (11:49) Real examples of creators getting into legal trouble (13:17) Legal resources every creator should have in their toolkit (14:08) The first legal things to consider when starting a production (18:04) Options agreements explained, and the role they play in a project (20:25) The number one contract red flag all creators should watch out for (22:34) Breaking down the dispute resolution process (24:45) When should a creator call in lawyers? (27:04) Final takeaways for creators