Brian Russ Law, Inc. is committed to helping 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 difficulties of business owners and individuals when they think about and try to understand copyright law. Brian works with folks throughout the Golden State to address common issues like copyright registration, fair use analysis, licensing decisions, and more. If you are considering legal guidance in Fresno 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. This can include reproducing, distributing, adapting, or publicly displaying the work without permission. 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. 
Copyright infringement can take many forms, including copying and distributing music, videos, or other media without permission, using someone else's work as your own, or reproducing and selling copies of a copyrighted work without permission. In most cases, copyright infringement is a civil offense, and the infringer can be sued for monetary damages. A copyright infringement is still an infringement regardless of the infringer's state of mind. For basic questions of whether a work was infringed, the infringer's state of mind does not matter. 
The copyright of others should be respected and permission sought before using their work. Fair use for purposes of criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research is an exception to copyright law. 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, seek 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, read the legal complaint you received. Carefully review the complaint that has been filed against you to understand the specific allegations of copyright infringement. Your response will be guided by identifying any defenses you may have available. 
Third, if you are infringing, stop Continuing to infringe can expose you to additional liability. In some cases, receiving notice of infringing activity puts you in a position of looking like a bad-faith intentional infringer. 

Brian Russ Law, Inc. is Here to Help Fresno Businesses and Individuals with Copyright Law Matters

The conclusion is straightforward – 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.