i have a website and live in US state "A". Someone steals stuff from my website and lives in US state "B". What is the easiest way & less cost to sue that person (i have no interested of getting any money from this....just want to stop this person once and for all)? If this legal action happen in court, which US state will it be "A" or "B"?
2006-07-26 20:13:40 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Internet law is vague and undefined , no chance.
2006-07-26 20:17:33 · answer #1 · answered by Brad I 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See a lawyer. What you would do first is have the law firm write a letter to the offender informing him to stop using the copyright material or legal action will take place. Usually, if the letter hits them, they stop because they do not want to have to pay any royalties (hence why they violated copyright) on back usage plus future. And usually, if the person profited from using the material, they would also have to pay a portion of the profits along with back royalties. So they more than likely will stop. If they don't, sue them for all the money you can to make them pay for their acts.
2006-07-27 03:18:26 · answer #2 · answered by volleyballchick (cowards block) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact a copyright attorney for advice. Each situation varies from one to another & many factors are involved so it's best to (1) speak to someone that specializes in this area of law and (2) is familiar with your situation & details.
Have you looked into copyrighting the contents of your site? I'd recommend looking into that as well.
You can do this at the US Copyright Office – see the last 3 links in the source box. The application is fairly simple & the cost is $45 per application.
Despite what others state, a "poor man's" copyright is NOT the same as registering it. Here's what the US Copyright Office has to say:
"The practice of sending a copy of your own work to yourself is sometimes called a 'poor man’s copyright.' There is no provision in the copyright law regarding any such type of protection, and it is not a substitute for registration."
Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!
2006-07-27 10:38:30 · answer #3 · answered by TM Express™ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would have to file a lawsuit in federal court, and the minimum amount you would have to sue for is $75,000.00.
2006-07-27 03:17:14 · answer #4 · answered by Chuck Dhue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋