Copyright Infringement

Copyright infringement occurs when an individual violates copyright laws protecting another individual’s, group’s, or entity’s creative or intellectual property.

Copyright infringement can occur in a variety of ways. People may illegally download music or movies from or illegally upload music or movies to the internet through various programs like Kazaa or Limewire. They may even photocopy entire books and sell the photocopies for lower prices. They may steal a company’s logo design and use it for their own purposes. As these examples illustrate, copyright infringement is not limited to any certain types of cases. It can occur in a variety of settings and in a variety of different ways.

There is a lot of concern about the blurring of the legal line between copyright infringement and influence. Many works, whether musical, literary, graphical, or something else, become culturally significant and inspire people who then incorporate them into their own creative work. Similarly, parodies also face scrutiny. Because parodies use another individual’s work to criticize it or something else, the courts have struggled to define when parodies cross the line between legality and illegality.

When people use copyrighted material, which they are almost always in contact with, they need to be aware of how they are using it. If an act seems illegal, it is better to stop and do research before doing it.

Speak with a San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been convicted of or charged with copyright infringement, contact the San Jose criminal law attorney of Daniel Jensen by calling 408-296-4100.