When it comes to original intellectual works such as songs, writings, and paintings, the United States federal government provides creators with certain rights. To protect the original works of artists, the government prosecutes individuals who attempt to claim the works of another person as their own.
The law also prosecutes individuals who use creative works in any way without the permission of the creator. If you have been charged with violating copyright laws, you will need a Maryland federal copyright infringement lawyer to fight for you in court.
Copyright infringement is a serious crime that is prosecuted in federal court, and if you are charged, you could end up facing jail time or having to pay an astronomical amount of money. Retain an experienced defense attorney who can advocate for you.
What is a Copyright?
Creatives who have copyrighted their works have the right to file a copyright infringement lawsuit against anyone who attempts to use their work without their permission. To file a lawsuit, the creator must have registered their work with the United States Copyright Office.
Lawsuits can carry on for years, and in court, an individual must be able to prove the other person used their work in some manner.
If a judge agrees with the creator, they can issue an injunction to prevent the accused of individual of using the work any further. They may also issue monetary compensation to the creator. Depending on the severity of the case, this compensation can amount to millions of dollars.
If a person is accused of copyright infringement, they should contact a Maryland federal copyright infringement lawyer immediately.
Defending Against Copyright Infringement Charges
A wide variety of works can be copyrighted according to the law. According to the U.S. Copyright Office, the following creative works can be copyrighted:
- Musical compositions
- Artwork
- Literature
- Films and other types of media
- Plays and other productions
The easiest way to avoid a copyright infringement lawsuit is to ask the original creator (or holder of the copyright license) for permission before using the work in any manner. Inventions and scientific discoveries are not subject to copyright laws.
Contrary to popular belief, everyone who is accused of copyright infringement is not guilty. It is easy to accidentally violate copyright laws in certain circumstances, and a Maryland federal copyright infringement lawyer may be able to defend those who have been accused. The following acts can lead to a charge of copyright infringement:
- A person uses a work they did not know was copyrighted
- There is a dispute over who actually created the original work
- A person is given the impression they have permission to use the creative work in question
- Someone uses a work that is not copyrighted at the time but is later copyrighted
All of the scenarios above can result in a federal lawsuit. For this reason, it is important to hire a professional attorney when charged, especially since the federal government prosecutes individuals accused of infringement harshly.
Hire a Maryland Federal Copyright Infringement Lawyer
If you are currently facing copyright infringement charges, hire Maryland federal copyright infringement lawyer to defend you. A Maryland defense attorney can conduct their own investigation, collect the necessary evidence, and do what needs to be done to build a solid case for you.
