Our Copyright Lawyers Fight for Video Copyright Holders Worldwide
Protect Your Rights without Large Upfront Costs
Many creative individuals do not have the financial resources to hire an expensive copyright law firm on an hourly basis. Instead, we work on a contingency fee. This means we get paid when you get paid. If we recover nothing, you pay us nothing.
Yes, there is a law firm fighting for the rights of creative individuals. We are here to help, not add to your challenges.
How Copyright Works With Videos
When you shoot video, it is considered an original work. This includes both the video images on screen as well as the original audio (if any) that you record while shooting the video. When you capture the video, your copyright exists automatically. You do not have to file anything with the U.S. Copyright Office.
Remember that if you are working for a company or individual and are creating a “work made for hire” the copyright to that video may belong to the other party. Consult the terms of your agreement with that party.
Publishing Your Work in Social Media or Elsewhere Does Not Waive Your Copyright or Your Right to Damages
One important point to remember is that you do not lose your rights to your copyright by publishing your work. You can choose to share your work on your Facebook page, Instagram account, website, blog or other place. Choosing to make content available on the Internet in a way that you approve does not waive your copyright to that material.
With the continuing growth of the Internet, republishing of content, people launching “news” sites, e-commerce stores and more, more content is being posted than ever. Far too many companies simply take other people’s work and republish it rather than seeking a license to use it.
This, of course, would violate your copyright.
The Importance of Copyright Registration for Video
One of the main advantages of registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office is that it can entitle you to recover damages in the event of a lawsuit. This can put added pressure on the other side, as they have the potential to be liable for significant sum of money.
What is the Difference Between Actual Damages and Statutory Damages?
When lawyers talk about damages in a copyright case, they are primarily referring to your ability to get paid. In the legal world, you need to show that somebody committed a wrong against you, that you were damaged and the amount of damages you sustained.
“Actual damages” refers to the loss that you sustained or the amount of profit that somebody else made from your work. Recovery amounts are based on the facts of your individual case.
“Statutory damages” refers to damages awarded under federal law, without regard to the actual damages suffered. The advantage to statutory damages is that you may be able to recover a significant award without proving that the other party realized an economic benefit.
If you are able to pursue statutory damages, the amount of recovery shall be “in a sum of not less than $750 or more than $30,000 as the court considers just.” If the court finds the copyright violation was willful, then “the court in its discretion may increase the award of statutory damages to a sum of not more than $150,000.”
Call Our Copyright Lawyers Now to Discuss Your Case
Remember, our attorneys help people across the United States and worldwide with copyright violation claims. If someone has violated your copyright to your video, you may be entitled to a significant award.
