by admin_lauth | Aug 13, 2015 | Corporate Investigations, Tips & Facts
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.
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by admin_lauth | Aug 7, 2015 | Corporate Investigations, Personal Investigations, Tips & Facts
One of the most critical things private investigators do is collect and compile pertinent information to help bolster a legal case. Whether it’s to provide evidence of insurance fraud in a corporate investigation case or gather the proof needed to tip the scales in a child custody situation, the records filed in court can mean the difference between a nail-biter and a slam-dunk case. That said, there are certain things one should understand about court records before proceeding, including how to leverage them to help bolster your investigation. Let’s take a look.
They’re accessible to anyone. Unlike many other means that private investigators use to check the background of a subject, court records do not require any special permission to access them. They are public record and available to anyone who requests access.
They contain factual and reliable information. In most cases, court records contain information that is obtained under oath, including depositions, sworn statements, allegations, affidavits and proceedings. Because these documents are taken under oath, the info contained within is considered to be reliable and accurate, which makes them incredibly valuable to private investigators.
There are two different types of court records – state and federal. Each typically handles its own categories of offenses. For example, state court hears civil cases, such as divorce, child custody and small claims. Federal court handles higher-level scenarios, such as immigration, social security and any federal law that’s been violated.
Having all possible names is important. If you’re looking for information about a particular person in court records, the more identifying data you have, the better your chances. For instance, many people have nicknames and some have used aliases throughout their lives. Experienced private investigators know how to dig up these details when performing research.
Different types of cases will include different information. Court records for civil cases will typically only contain the name of the parties involved. Other identifying data, such as date of birth and social security number will usually not be included. This can pose a challenge for situations in which the party in question has a common name. Federal cases contain more details.
Searching multiple databases can provide better results. The problem with many court records is that they were completed and filed by humans, which means mistakes could have been made in the process. This is why private investigators cross-check multiple sources to help identify errors, omissions and other incorrect information and hone in on what’s accurate.
Going directly to the court house is the most effective option. While the internet has made searching court documents and other legal databases much easier, the only way to access actual court records is to visit the court in person.
When it comes to finding information and making a case stronger, court records can provide the ammunition needed. Understanding what these filings mean as well as how to best search and access them can make pulling the information you’re after much easier and more efficient. Of course, nothing replaces the services of skilled, seasoned private investigators. If you need assistance with anything from a basic background check to a detailed personal or corporate investigation, Lauth Investigations International, Inc. can help. Give us a call today at 800-889-3463 to discuss your specific needs.
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by admin_lauth | Jul 23, 2015 | Personal Investigations, Tips & Facts
Few situations in life are more emotionally charged as the thought of one’s spouse being unfaithful. In many cases, hiring a private investigator can help to uncover the truth so the next steps can be taken, whether they lead to divorce or reconciliation. Let’s explore some of the benefits working with a professional can have.
Learning the truth. While finding out for sure that your spouse is cheating may hurt, knowing the truth once and for all can help you begin the healing process. When all you have are suspicions it can seriously interfere with your life and emotional well-being.
Gathering evidence. If your motivation for catching your cheating spouse include leverage in a divorce proceeding or custody battle, hiring a professional private investigator can help you gather the evidence you need to strengthen your case.
Knowledge of what to look for. Unless you’ve got experience conducting surveillance and investigations, chances are you don’t know exactly what you need to be looking for to build a solid case of infidelity. A private investigator can help by honing in on key activities and signs that indicate guilt, making for a much faster and more accurate resolution.
Admissible documentation. Experienced private investigators understand the complicated laws surrounding privacy, which means the evidence and documentation they compile is more likely to be admissible in court than what one may gather on his or her own.
Lack of emotional involvement. While it may seem tempting to catch your cheating spouse in the act, such an emotionally charged situation can lead to unpleasant consequences. Hiring an outside party can remove this personal factor which will ensure a more straightforward and solid case.
It should be noted that in some cases it may be wise to consult with an attorney prior to hiring a private investigator, particularly in situations where a divorce settlement or custody of children are involved. If you’d like to discuss your particular suspicions and learn whether hiring a PI would be a good option, give us a call.
by admin_lauth | Jul 16, 2015 | Tips & Facts, Uncover Debtor Assets
4 Reasons to Hire a Private Investigator During Your Divorce
Without question, divorce can be one of the most difficult and emotional experience in life. Not only does it mark the end of a marriage, but it can become incredibly complicated, which can lead to a long, drawn out and painful process. Enlisting the services of an experienced private investigator can sometimes make the process move a little more quickly. Here’s how.
Locate Hidden Assets – One of the biggest points of contention couples face when going through a divorce is that of mistrust over assets. If one spouse is deliberately hiding money and other assets in an attempt to avoid their proper distribution during the settlement it can cause huge delays in the process. A private investigator who specializes in divorce cases can help make sure any and all assets are accounted for.
Uncover Infidelity – While many states offer no-fault divorce, some will still grant a more favorable settlement in the case of infidelity. Unfortunately, proving such a thing can be quite challenging. With the help of a seasoned private investigator, however, you may be able to uncover all the evidence you need to tilt the courts in your favor.
Custody Battles – Under the best of circumstances, both parents should enjoy equal opportunity to have a relationship with their children following divorce. Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world and many situations are unhealthy for children. If you’re concerned that your soon-to-be ex or former spouse is placing your kids at risk, a private eye can help gather the necessary proof to back up your claim in court.
Child Support/Alimony – Regardless of which side of the coin you’re on, determining what amount of child support and/or alimony is fair can be a huge point of contention. If you feel you’re paying too much based on misinformation provided by your former spouse, or you believe your ex is withholding information that would lead to a higher payout, a private investigator can help sort things out and ensure that everyone is operating on the up-and-up.
Going through a divorce is difficult no matter what the circumstances. Having a skilled, experienced private investigator in your corner can make a challenging situation a little bit easier to navigate. If you have questions or would like to learn more about how we may be able to help you get a favorable settlement in your divorce, contact us today.
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by admin_lauth | Jul 2, 2015 | Tips & Facts
Any experienced private investigator will tell you that social media has become one of the most powerful tools for things like locating missing people and digging up any necessary information. While hiring a professional will always net the best results, there are some actions that even a novice can use to get the ball rolling on a social media investigation before having to bring in an expert. Let’s take a look.
Start with Google. The easiest place to begin a social media search is through the popular search engine Google. A quick check may reveal links to all the different social networks your target is using, as well as other interactions and mentions on the web. If you’re not getting the results you’re looking for, try searching different variations of the name.
Check out Knowem. This nifty social search engine allows you to conduct an instant search of more than 500 different social networks. While it’s primary purpose is to locate brand information, it can also be used to search peoples’ names as well as usernames they may have on various social platforms.
Use Facebook’s “Find Friends” feature. A great place to start is by conducting a search on Facebook through the platform’s “Find Friends” feature. You can narrow your search by geographic location, schools attended, employers and more. Of course, the results you get will ultimately depend on the person’s privacy settings.
Try doing a reverse image search. There are several different platforms that allow you to upload or include a URL to a photo and conduct a reverse search. (A popular one is called TinEye.) If you have a photograph of the person you’re trying to locate, you may be able to uncover information this way.
Don’t forget Instagram. Many times people forget about other social media sites like Instagram. This photo sharing app allows you to conduct a search by username and just regular name. It might be a shot in the dark, but with over 300 million monthly active users, it’s worth a shot.
Of course, sometimes locating a person via the internet simply isn’t possible for a layperson, particularly if the target has taken conscious measures to ensure they aren’t found. If you’ve tried all of the suggestions above and are still coming up empty, you may want to consider enlisting the help of an experienced private investigator. Contact us today to learn how we can help you locate the person or persons you need to find.
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by admin_lauth | Jun 17, 2015 | Corporate Investigations, Tips & Facts
There are a number of reasons a business may need to locate a former employee, whether it’s due to impropriety or to access the information they’re privy to, such as insider knowledge about the corporation or other employees. While many organizations choose to hire private investigators to do the necessary digging for them, others may prefer to conduct or at least begin the investigation on their own. That said, here are a few helpful tips of where you can start your search and hopefully find the information you’re looking for.
Search Engines – This may seem like the most obvious method, but in many cases, all it takes is a simple Google search to locate the person you’re after. (Hint: look for news and publications, like press releases, that may include contact information on where the party in question now resides or works).
Professional Organizations – Many of these organizations maintain member lists which are available to the public. Check groups that are closely related to your industry and/or the employee’s particular expertise.
Public Records – If applicable, you may be able to find the information you need by checking with local licensing boards. Additionally, corporate and SEC filings often contain detailed info, as to litigation records.
Archive.org – This website contains a wealth of information on just about everything under the sun. In fact, it’s widely considered to be one of the largest digital collections of information on the Internet today. Put it to good use.
LinkedIn – First, set your profile to private to ensure anonymity when viewing other LinkedIn profiles. In many cases, a basic search will yield the results you’re after. In others, you may only be able to access a portion of a profile. You may be able to get around this, however, through the “People Also Viewed” area on another member’s profile.
Social Media – People often neglect to do the simplest thing – set their personal social media profiles to private. If you’re lucky, you may be able to gather all the information you need via the person’s social channels.
Of course, if the person you’re trying to locate has taken measures to keep his or her identity and/or location private, the methods above may yield no viable results. In cases such as that, or in instances where time is of the essence, employing the services of an experienced private investigator may make the most sense.
Lauth Investigations, Intl. offers professional investigation services to help corporations and businesses with all their employee location needs. Give us a call 800-889-3463 to discuss how we might assist with your specific case.
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.
