Brian Russ Law, Inc. is dedicated to helping companies and individuals obtain and monetize copyrightable works, and provide defense services for copyright infringement lawsuits. As an author, small business owner, and serial entrepreneur, lawyer Brian gets the worries of business owners and individuals when they think about and try to understand copyright law. Brian works with people across California to address common issues like copyright registration, fair use analysis, licensing decisions, and more. If you are considering legal support in Apple Valley for copyright issues, then you’ve come to the right place.

What Is Copyright Infringement?

A copyrighted work can be viewed as infringed upon if it is used without the permission of the owner. Unauthorized reproductions, distributions, adaptations, or public displays of the work are all examples of copyright infringements. As a result of copyright law, authors and creators are able to control how their work is used and distributed. 
If you copy and distribute music, videos, or other media without permission, use someone else's work as your own, or reproduce and sell copies of a copyrighted work without permission, you may have committed copyright infringement. Copyright infringement is usually a civil offense, and the owner can seek damages for the infringement. In general, the infringer's state of mind is not relevant for basic questions about whether the work was infringement. 
You should seek permission before using someone else's work and respect their copyright. It is possible to use copyrighted material for teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, news reporting, or fair use without permission in certain situations. Fair use exceptions are narrow and should not be relied upon unless you are certain that your use is covered. 

What Are Your First Three Steps When Sued for Copyright Infringement?

It is important to take steps to protect your interests if you are sued for copyright infringement. Here are the first three steps you should take: 
First, seek legal advice. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible if you have been sued for copyright infringement. The advice of a lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. 
Second, review the legal complaint that was served on you. Understand the specific allegations of copyright infringement in the complaint that has been filed against you. This will help you identify any defenses that may be available to you and plan your response. 
Third, stop your infringing activity if you are engaged in infringement. By continuing to violate the law, you can expose yourself to additional liabilities. If you continue to infringe after receiving notice of infringing activity, you may appear to be acting in bad faith. 

Brian Russ Law, Inc. is Ready to Help Apple Valley Businesses and Individuals with Copyright Law Matters

The conclusion is easy – call Brian Russ Law, Inc. today. We’re fielding inquiries from potential new copyright clients every day. Having an attorney on your team can help you avoid costly mistakes and give you invaluable peace of mind.