Brian Russ Law, Inc. is resolved 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, lawyer Brian gets the difficulties of business owners and individuals when they think about and try to understand copyright law. Brian works with creatives across the Golden State to address common issues like copyright registration, fair use analysis, licensing decisions, and more. If you are considering legal guidance in Hawaiian Gardens 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. 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. 
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. An infringer may be held liable for monetary damages if they commit copyright infringement. 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. There are some exceptions to copyright law that allow for limited use of copyrighted material without permission, such as fair use for purposes of criticism, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. 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?

In the event that you are sued for copyright infringement, you should take the matter seriously and take the steps necessary to protect your rights. You should take the following three steps first: 
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 explain your rights and options to you, and advise you on the best course of action. 
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 identifying your defenses, you will be able to plan your response. 
Third, if you are infringing, stop 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 Hawaiian Gardens Businesses and Individuals with Copyright Law Matters

The conclusion is easy – call Brian Russ Law, Inc. today. We’re fielding inquiries 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.