Brian Russ Law, Inc. is dedicated to advising businesses 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 understands the worries of business owners and individuals when they think about and try to understand copyright law. Brian works with people across the Golden State to address common issues like copyright registration, fair use analysis, licensing decisions, and more. If you are considering legal advice in Dana Point 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. Copyright law exists to protect the rights of creators and authors, and to ensure that they are able to control how their work is used and disseminated. 
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. In most cases, copyright infringement is a civil offense, and the infringer can be sued for monetary damages. In general, the infringer's state of mind is not relevant for basic questions about whether the work was infringement. 
It is important to respect the copyright of others and to seek permission before using their work. Fair use for purposes of criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research is an exception to copyright law. 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. Here are the first three steps you should take: 
First, get legal advice. In the event that you have been sued for copyright infringement, you should obtain legal counsel as soon as possible. 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. 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, stop infringing activities if you are engaged in them. If you continue to infringe, you may be exposed to additional liability. 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 Excited to Help Dana Point Businesses and Individuals with Copyright Law Matters

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