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Copyright
Infringement |
Copyright Infringement;
OK here's the crux of the matter, once you have written a work;
You may be one of these who say;
" well I'd be quite flattered if someone thought my work was good enough
to release commercially, that's all the reward I need"
To that I say;
There are two routes you could take the hard or the soft, of which I favour the soft option every time (or at least initially).
The Hard option;
It's your work. Full stop.
By releasing the work without your permission they have breached your copyright.
By failing to identify you as the author they have breached your copyright.
After going to the courts; you have the right to seize infringing copies of the
work.
You are entitled to royalties on the copies sold and can press for damages up to
double the value of what you should have been paid as the licensee.
Downside of the hard option, you will probably have to fight every step of the
way.
The Soft option;
Speak to the parties involved make them aware of the Hard option, and suggest a
compromise, after all they've done you a favour getting your work published.
You will not seize infringing copies, or take them through the courts for
damages if;
Any future copies identify you as the author,
You receive royalties on all copies sold to date, and any future copies.
Beware!...
Before you start getting heavy with anyone, make sure you have a watertight
case.
The next page tells you how to protect your work