Copyright Disputes
Copyright disputes most commonly arrive in one of two ways. Either someone is using your work without permission by copying your content, reproducing your images, selling something built on your creative work or someone is claiming that you've infringed on their creative work and you often find out about it by
receiving a demand letter or a takedown notice.
Demand letters and infringement claims can be unsettling to receive, particularly when they arrive with dollar figures attached and language about legal action. In Ian's experience, many of these situations are more manageable than they initially appear. Some claims have no real merit. Others involve work that was properly licensed, or falls under fair use, or where the claimant's ownership of the underlying copyright isn't as clear as they're suggesting. Understanding which situation you're in is the first and most important step.
When someone is infringing on your work, Ian can help you understand what your options are based on what protections you have in place, document the infringement, and respond in a way that's proportionate and strategic. Sometimes that means a formal demand letter. Sometimes it means an application to register the work before taking further steps. The right approach depends on the specifics.
When you're on the receiving end of a claim, Ian reviews what's actually being alleged, assesses whether there's a legitimate basis for it, and responds accordingly. If the claim has merit, he can help you resolve it without unnecessary escalation. If it doesn't, he can help you make that case clearly.
Copyright disputes rarely need to end up in court. Most get resolved at the correspondence stage when both sides understand where they actually stand.