Copyright infringement can be one of the most detrimental infractions a business can fall victim to. Regardless of the size or industry of the organization, locating violators and holding them accountable is something that must be done to protect the integrity and hard work of the company. As experienced private investigators, we’ve assisted with countless copyright infringement investigations over the years. Here’s what the process typically involves.
First, we closely evaluate the situation at hand to determine whether the actions in question did, in fact, violate copyright law. This is where having many years of experience comes in handy. Next, we’ll determine to what degree or percentage the copyrighted content was infringed upon. This helps us to figure out what type of action can and should be taken by the business.
Once we’ve identified the scope of the copyright infringement, the next step is investigating to determine exactly who the violators are. This isn’t always easy, especially when the problem occurred many years ago and is just now being discovered. It can also be challenging to track down potential perpetrators online, where anonymity can cause roadblocks. Finding out who committed the crime can be a complicated process, which is why it’s best left to seasoned experts.
When the parties in question have been successfully identified, the next step is gathering evidence and determining damages. This is where legal assistance may be wise, particularly when the copyright infringement is considered to be significant (i.e. the violators have been or still are profiting from the use of the copyrighted material). If you don’t have adequate legal representation, we can help point you in the right direction.
With evidence in hand, the alleged violators will then be notified of the situation as well as the proposed remedies. An attorney can advise you on what kind of damages you’re entitled to pursue, based on the significance of the copyright infringement and how much evidence the investigation has resulted in. In some cases, a simple letter from your legal representative can be enough to achieve a settlement. In others, the situation may need to be brought before a judge.
Of course, like everything else, each case of copyright infringement is unique. If you need assistance gathering the evidence you need to pursue your rights, Lauth Investigations International, Inc. can help. Give us a call today to learn more.