Brian Russ Law, Inc. is dedicated to guiding creators and individuals obtain and monetize copyrightable works, and provide defense services for copyright infringement lawsuits. As an author, small business owner, and serial entrepreneur, attorney Brian recognizes 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 need legal guidance in Crest for copyright issues, then you’ve come to the right place.

What Is Copyright Infringement?

Copyright infringement is the unauthorized use of a copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright owner. If the work is reproduced, distributed, adapted, or publicly displayed without permission, then copyright infringement has occurred. To ensure creators and authors have control over how their work is used and distributed, copyright law exists. 
Using someone else's work without permission is a form of copyright infringement, as is reproducing and selling copies of a copyrighted work. Most copyright infringements are civil offenses, and the copyright owner may pursue monetary damages. Innocent copyright infringement is still infringement. The infringer's state of mind generally does not come into play for basic questions of whether the work was infringed. 
Using others' work must be done with permission and with respect for their copyright. There are some exceptions to copyright law that allow for limited use of copyrighted material without permission, such as fair use for purposes of criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. It is important, however, to verify that your use falls within the scope of fair use exceptions before relying upon them. 

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

If you are sued for copyright infringement, it is important to take the matter seriously and take steps to protect your interests. Follow these three steps to get started: 
First, consult a lawyer. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible if you have been sued for copyright infringement. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, and advise you on the best course of action. 
Second, you need to review and understand the legal complaint made against you. Carefully review the complaint that has been filed against you to understand the specific allegations of copyright infringement. This will help you identify any defenses that may be available to you and plan your response. 
Third, stop infringing activities if you are engaged in them. Continuing to infringe can put you at risk of additional liability. If you continue to infringe despite receiving notice, you may look like a bad-faith intentional actor. 

Brian Russ Law, Inc. is Excited to Help Crest Businesses and Individuals with Copyright Law Matters

The conclusion is simple – contact 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.