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 folks throughout California to address common issues like copyright registration, fair use analysis, licensing decisions, and more. If you are considering legal advice in Loma Rica 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. If the work is reproduced, distributed, adapted, or publicly displayed without permission, then copyright infringement has occurred. 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. 
Using someone else's work without permission is a form of copyright infringement, as is reproducing and selling copies of a copyrighted work. In most cases, copyright infringement is a civil offense, and the copyright owner can seek monetary damages from the infringer. 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. 
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. 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?

Taking steps to protect your interests is important if you are sued for copyright infringement. The first three steps are as follows: 
First, you need to seek legal advice. As soon as possible after being sued for copyright infringement, it is important to seek legal advice. It is important to speak with a lawyer to understand your rights and options, and to determine what course of action is best for you. 
Second, read the legal complaint you received. Understand the specific allegations of copyright infringement in the complaint that has been filed against you. By identifying your defenses, you will be able to plan your response. 
Third, stop infringing activities if you are engaged in them. 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 Excited to Help Loma Rica Businesses and Individuals with Copyright Law Matters

The conclusion is simple – 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.