As a copyright owner, understanding what you can do if someone uses your content without licensing or permission is vital. After all, you put a lot of thought and effort into your creation, and you deserve compensation and credit. If you’re unfamiliar with how to enforce a copyright, you’ll want to keep reading to learn more and discover how copyright infringement lawyers can help you understand the steps in this process and how to proceed if your work is stolen.
What Should I Do if I Want to Enforce My Copyright?
When you create a work, it’s vital to register it with the United States Copyright Office. Though this step is not necessary to protect your work from infringement, the work must be registered with the office if you want to file a lawsuit on behalf of the work. If you have not done so already, you can register your creation at any time, though it may make it easier to receive compensation if you register the work in a timely manner right after its creation.
If you want to avoid a lawsuit, you may choose to send a letter to the infringer explaining that you are the copyright owner and formally asking them to remove the infringed content. However, if they have made money from your work, you may want to consider filing a lawsuit to recover compensation.
Can I Pursue Damages if Someone Violates My Copyright?
If someone has violated your copyright and you’ve lost income because of it, ensuring they are held accountable is vital. A lawsuit can help enforce your rights, as it will hold the infringer responsible for the theft of your work. Even if the infringer has not made money off your work but never responded to your letter, you still have rights as a copyright owner, including when and where your creation is posted.
You’ll want to collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This includes screenshots of your work on the infringer’s website, how many copies of the work they sold (if applicable), and any information you have regarding your ownership. You should also include a copy of the infringement letter if you sent one.
As such, filing a lawsuit can help you recover compensation for the damages you’ve endured. The most important thing to do is ensure you enlist the assistance of an experienced copyright attorney, as this area of law can be complex and confusing. However, they can help file the suit and explain how the process works.
At CopyCat Legal, we understand how complicated and upsetting this issue can be, as your work means a lot to you. As such, we are dedicated to helping copyright owners hold violated accountable and recover damages when possible. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you through this process.