Brian Russ Law, Inc. is dedicated to supporting corporations 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 difficulties of business owners and individuals when they think about and try to understand copyright law. Brian works with creatives throughout California to address common issues like copyright registration, fair use analysis, licensing decisions, and more. If you need legal guidance in Dinuba 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. This can include reproducing, distributing, adapting, or publicly displaying the work without permission. 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. 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. 
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?

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, consult a lawyer. 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, read the legal complaint you received. Understand the specific allegations of copyright infringement in the complaint filed against you. Your response will be guided by identifying any defenses you may have available. 
Third, infringing activity must be stopped. Continuing to infringe can expose you to 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 Dinuba Businesses and Individuals with Copyright Law Matters

The conclusion is simple – call 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.