In the event that your film is pirated or the IP is infringed upon, there are several legal steps you can take to rectify the issue.
- Document the infringement
When your film is pirated or infringed upon, the first thing you should do is document the exact details of the infringement. This includes screenshots, URLs, or copies of the pirated content. Also make sure to clearly identify the infringer.
- Assess copyright ownership
When dealing with pirated content, it is important to ensure that you own the full copyright to your film. While copyright protections technically automatically apply to any original work, it is still important to register your work at the U.S. copyright office.
- Takedown notice
Begin by sending a formal cease and desist letter to the individual or organization that is pirating your content. This letter should outline that you own the IP of the film and demand that they remove your content immediately. If the infringed content is on a video sharing platform such as youtube, you may be able to file a DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) notice. This is a request for the site your content is being displayed on to directly take your film down.
- File a lawsuit for copyright infringement
If the previous methods fail to work, you may wish to consider pursuing legal action against the individual/organization that is pirating your content. To file a lawsuit, consult with an attorney who specializes in intellectual property. They will assist you in filing your lawsuit and defending your rights.
