Brian Russ Law, Inc. is resolved to guiding creatives 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 corporations across California to address common issues like copyright registration, fair use analysis, licensing decisions, and more. If you are considering legal guidance in Chula Vista 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. If the work is reproduced, distributed, adapted, or publicly displayed without permission, then copyright infringement has occurred. As a result of copyright law, authors and creators are able to control how their work is used and distributed. 
It is illegal to copy, distribute, sell, or reproduce copyrighted works without permission. This includes sharing music, videos, or other media without permission. 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. 
Using others' work must be done with permission and with respect for their copyright. It is possible to use copyrighted material for teaching, scholarship, research, criticism, news reporting, or fair use without permission in certain situations. There are, however, a few exceptions to fair use, and you should not rely on them unless you know for sure that your use is permitted. 

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. The first three steps are as follows: 
First, get legal advice. If you have been sued for copyright infringement, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and advise you on the best course of action. 
Second, make sure you review the legal complaint that has been served on you. Review the complaint filed against you carefully to understand the specific allegations of copyright infringement. In this way, you can identify any defenses that may be available to you and plan your response accordingly. 
Third, if you are infringing, stop Continuing to infringe can expose you to additional liability. As a result, if you continue to infringe after receiving notice that you are infringing, you will appear to be a bad-faith intentional actor. 

Brian Russ Law, Inc. is Here to Help Chula Vista Businesses and Individuals with Copyright Law Matters

The conclusion is straightforward – call Brian Russ Law, Inc. today. We’re fielding calls 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.