Brian Russ Law, Inc. is committed to advising 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, lawyer 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 want legal guidance in Foothill Ranch for copyright issues, then you’ve come to the right place.

What Is Copyright Infringement?

Copyright infringement occurs when an owner's work is used without their consent. 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. Most copyright infringements are civil offenses, and the copyright owner may pursue monetary damages. The infringer's state of mind is generally not relevant to whether the work was copied. Innocent copyright infringement is still infringement. 
Using others' work must be done with permission and with respect for their copyright. Exceptions to copyright law allow for limited use of copyrighted material without permission, such as fair use for criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. However, fair use exceptions are narrow and should not be relied upon unless you are certain that your use falls within their scope. 

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

The matter of copyright infringement should be taken seriously and protected if you are sued. Follow these three steps to get started: 
First, you need to retain an attorney. 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, review the legal complaint that was served on you. Understand the specific allegations of copyright infringement in the complaint filed against you. 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. You can expose yourself to additional liability by continuing the infringement. And, to some extent, receiving notice of infringing activity puts you in a position of looking like a bad-faith intentional actor if you continue to infringe after receiving notice. 

Brian Russ Law, Inc. is Ready to Help Foothill Ranch Businesses and Individuals with Copyright Law Matters

The conclusion is simple – 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.