Copyright - the most important stuff.
Copyright protects your right to profit from your
creations, but it is "Copyright registration" that provide the "Keys to the
courthouse" In winning a case this can mean the difference between a new car or
a new house. Register your copyright. Here are links to help.
Online
registration system (eCO)
http://www.copyright.gov/eco/
$35
Offline electronic form (CO)
http://www.copyright.gov/forms/formco2d.pdf
$50
Assistant / Independent contractor
IRS
Topic 762 - Independent Contractor vs. Employee