Copyright Litigation

Seasoned San Francisco Bay Area Copyright Litigation Attorney

As a seasoned copyright litigation attorney I know the importance of protecting people's original creative endeavors. I have been lucky enough to work with a wide range of creative companies, both small and large, as well as individual photographers, artists, and authors throughout California. These matters can be factually complex with the legal aspects technical in nature, which is why my 30 years of experience are of great benefit to my clients.

My firm is solely devoted to the practice of intellectual property. If you have questions regarding copyright litigation, please feel free to contact me and set up an appointment at my San Francisco office.

Copyright infringement cases are filed in federal court because copyright infringement is exclusively governed by The U.S. Copyright Act, 17 U.S.C. §§ 101 - 810 http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode17/usc_sup_01_17.html. A copyright gives its owner the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, display, perform, and create derivative works based on his or her copyrighted work. You must have a registered copyright before you can file any type of copyright litigation in federal court.

As an experienced copyright litigation attorney, I can assist you with all the following types of claims:

• Representing both plaintiffs and defendants in copyright infringement suits in federal courts throughout California; litigation involving copyright ownership and work-for-hire disputes
• Defending against infringement lawsuits by proving, for example, lack of substantial similarity, fair use, or existence of license or permission to use copyrighted work.
• Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) cases for internet copyright infringement violations as well as DMCA compliance issues

The remedies available to those who have brought a copyright infringement claim in federal court include an injunction preventing the continued use of the copyrighted material by the infringer, monetary compensation in the form of damages or profits gained by the infringer as well as lawyer's fees and costs associated with litigation.

If you would like to learn more about copyright, please take a minute to visit my copyright FAQ page or contact me to schedule an appointment at my office to discuss your copyright litigation concerns. I also have access to the resources at the highly respected IP firm of Owen, Wickersham & Erickson, P.C., if needed.