As we know, once we register our music to receive copyright protection, it is legally protected. So if someone has stolen your music, things might go downhill for them if you take the proper legal steps. This was at least what happened with the harlem shuffle bob and earl in 1963. They found out their song had been stolen and quickly took legal action. If you’re in the same position, you do, too. But how can you go about it? No worries. Today, we’re going to walk you through the steps you need to take in case of music theft.
Hire a Copyright Lawyer
Things can go wrong quickly when it comes to copyrighted music. Sometimes, the one who stole your music can even register it as their own. Before it gets worse, you want to make sure that you’re in the right hands. That’s why hiring a copyright lawyer is essential. They’ll be able to provide legal advice and guide you through the process of taking action against those who have stolen your music. On top of that, they will also be able to help you register your music for copyright protection.
Send a Cease and Desist Letter
Once you realize that someone has stolen your music, it’s time to take action. The most effective way of doing so is by sending them a cease and desist letter. In this letter, you must state the details of the situation, such as who stole your music and what they have done with it. You must also include the exact details of the unauthorized use of your music and demand that they stop using it immediately. You can expect to receive an answer within 14 days after sending the letter, or else it’s time to file a lawsuit.
File a Copyright Infringement Suit
If you want to ensure that your rights are protected and that justice is served, then filing a copyright infringement suit is the best way to go. Note that filing a lawsuit can be expensive, so ensure you have all your documents in order before taking this step. You will also need to provide evidence of the unauthorized use of your music, as well as prove that it was originally yours and not someone else’s. In fact, the clearer you are about the evidence, the better. By doing this, your lawyer will be able to make a stronger case for you and help you get justice.
Be Prepared to Negotiate or Settle Out of Court
Sometimes, it’s possible that the person who stole your music might not agree with your claims. In such cases, you can always try to negotiate or settle out of court. This means that both parties come to an agreement without having to take it to court and resolve the issue without any further legal action. Of course, this depends on both parties, so ensure that whatever is agreed upon is documented in writing for future reference. Ultimately, your music is your own asset. And once it is stolen, it can be quite a hassle to get back what belongs to you.
That’s why it’s essential that you take the proper legal steps mentioned if you find out that your music has been stolen. Most importantly, your lawyer can make or break your case, so make sure you hire someone experienced and well-qualified. That way, justice will be served, and you’ll get your music back where it belongs.