Brian Russ Law, Inc. is committed to guiding 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 struggles of business owners and individuals when they think about and try to understand copyright law. Brian works with corporations across California to address common issues like copyright registration, fair use analysis, licensing decisions, and more. If you want legal guidance in Lake San Marcos 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. Unauthorized reproductions, distributions, adaptations, or public displays of the work are all examples of copyright infringements. It protects the rights of creators and authors, and ensures that their work can be used and distributed in the way that they choose. 
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 copyright owner can seek monetary damages from the infringer. The infringer's state of mind is generally not relevant to whether the work was copied. Innocent copyright infringement is still infringement. 
The copyright of others should be respected and permission sought before using their work. 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. It is important, however, to verify that your use falls within the scope of fair use exceptions before relying upon them. 

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. The first three steps are as follows: 
First, seek legal advice. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible if you have been sued for copyright infringement. A lawyer can explain your rights and options to you, 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 that has been filed against you. This will help you identify any defenses that may be available to you and plan your response. 
Third, stop your infringing activity if you are engaged in infringement. Continuing to infringe can put you at risk of additional liability. As a result, if you continue to infringe after receiving notice that you are infringing, you will appear to be a bad-faith intentional actor. 

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

The conclusion is easy – contact 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.