Brian Russ Law, Inc. is resolved to advising 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, attorney Brian recognizes the worries of business owners and individuals when they think about and try to understand copyright law. Brian works with businesses throughout California to address common issues like copyright registration, fair use analysis, licensing decisions, and more. If you need legal advice in Farmersville for copyright issues, then you’ve come to the right place.

What Is Copyright Infringement?

An unauthorized use of a copyrighted work is considered infringement. Unauthorized reproductions, distributions, adaptations, or public displays of the work are all examples of copyright infringements. To ensure creators and authors have control over how their work is used and distributed, copyright law exists. 
It is illegal to copy, distribute, sell, or reproduce copyrighted works without permission. This includes sharing music, videos, or other media without permission. In most cases, copyright infringement is a civil offense, and the infringer can be sued for monetary damages. If the work has been infringement, the state of mind of the infringer generally does not matter. 
Before appropriating another's work, it is important to respect their copyright. In addition, there are some exceptions to copyright laws, such as fair use by critics, news reporters, teachers, scholars, or researchers. 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?

Taking steps to protect your interests is important if you are sued for copyright infringement. Take these three steps as a starting point: 
First, get legal advice. In the event that you have been sued for copyright infringement, you should obtain legal counsel as soon as possible. The advice of a lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. 
Second, make sure you review the legal complaint that has been served on you. Understand the specific allegations of copyright infringement in the complaint filed against you. By doing so, you can identify possible defenses and plan your response accordingly. 
Third, infringing activity must be stopped. Continuing to infringe can expose you 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 Ready to Help Farmersville Businesses and Individuals with Copyright Law Matters

The conclusion is straightforward – 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.