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Attorney Steve® Software Audit Essentials - The ITCA based in the Netherlands with worldwide offices With the Business Software Alliance apparently not pursuing anymore Microsoft compliance cases, there is a new company that has recently come on my radar - the ITCA. Listen in as Software Lawyer Steve Vondran, Esq. chimes in. If you are facing a legal demand from a software company due to having unlicensed software, or invalid software, or over-assigning licenses (exceeding the scope of entitlements/EULA) call us at (877) 276-5084. We are a nationwide leader in handling these disputes which are brought as copyright infringement disputes under Federal law. We have handled companies such as Microsoft, Adobe, Siemens, Ansys, Synopsis, VB Conversion, Vero/Hegagon, Dessault/Solidworks, Autodesk and others.

Attorney Steve® IPTV Defense - Motion Picture Associate Settlement Agreements When entering into a Motion Picture Associate Settlement Agreement, it is crucial to thoroughly comprehend the various provisions and terms outlined in the agreement. Three key aspects that require careful consideration are future cooperation, confidentiality, and other terms of settlement. Understanding these elements helps ensure a clear understanding of your rights and obligations. 1. Future cooperation: Settlement agreements often include provisions outlining future cooperation between the parties involved. These provisions may address matters such as the scope and extent of cooperation required, the timelines for providing assistance or information, and the means of communication required (e.g., in-person meetings, phone calls, email, etc.). It is important to understand these requirements and assess your ability and willingness to meet them. Additionally, you should consider any potential impact future cooperation may have on your personal and professional life. 2. Confidentiality: Settlement agreements typically contain confidentiality clauses, which restrict the disclosure of certain information. This provision aims to protect the privacy and interests of all parties involved. It is crucial to fully comprehend the specifics of the confidentiality clause, including what information is considered confidential, the permitted exceptions for disclosure, and the consequences of violating the confidentiality provisions. Complying with confidentiality requirements is essential for maintaining the integrity of the settlement and protecting the parties' interests involved. For more information visit VondranLegal.com

Attorney Steve® Photo Infringement Essentials - The Editorial License from Stock Photo Agencies like Alamy, iStockPhoto, and Shutterstock Using an editorial license is indeed important when expressing opinions and reporting news, as it allows freedom of expression and protects First Amendment rights. However, it is crucial to understand that editorial license does not grant the right to commit defamation, publish false information, or infringe on someone's copyright. When it comes to using photographs or other copyrighted materials, it is necessary to obtain proper permissions or licenses from the copyright holder. Failing to do so may potentially lead to a copyright infringement claim, as you mentioned. To avoid such claims, it is advisable to either create your own original content or properly attribute and obtain permission for copyrighted material you wish to use. Additionally, understanding fair use guidelines and seeking advice from a legal professional can help you navigate potential copyright issues. For more help with photo infringement issues or image licensing and clearance email us through this page or call (877) 276-5084. We have helped nearly a thousand businesses with copyright infringement matters.

Attorney Steve® - Internet Law Updates - unlawful disclosure of movie watching habits! In today's digital age, movie-watching has taken on a new form. With the rise of streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu, many traditional video rental service providers have been left behind. However, one aspect that remains constant is the protection of consumers' privacy. Enacted in 1988, the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA) remains a crucial federal law that prohibits video tape service providers from disclosing any information related to their customers' rental history. While this law was originally aimed at traditional video rental stores, it has since been amended to include streaming movies. This means that companies are forbidden from selling data that could potentially reveal a customer's movie-watching habits. So next time you settle in to watch your favorite flick, rest easy knowing that your privacy is protected by the VPPA!  If not, call us for a free confidential case analysis.  Visit us at AttorneySteve.com

Attorney Steve® Photo Infringement Essentials - Copyright Small Claims Board ("CCB") In this episode of Piracy Log, Steve Vondran discusses one of the first decisions to come out of the CCB in Washington D.C.  A decision was rendered, but it was much lower than most people would have thought.  Listen in and fee free to share this podcast on your social media networks.

Attorney Steve® Software Essentials - Hexagon/Vero software piracy pursuits (Visi/Esprit) 2023 Piracy Log When you get a phone call or a letter from Hexagon accusing you of using unlicensed or cracked software, it is important to understand the most important thing NOT TO DO.  Listen in as Attorney Steve® Vondran provides tales from the software trenches and hopefully your company will heed this advise. As always, if you need legal representation, Vondran Legal® is one of the top software compliance defense law firms in the United States having handled nearly 1,000 software/copyright infringement cases. Call us at (877) 276-5084.

Attorney Steve® - BitTorrent Litigation Updates July 2023 [How the Cobbler Nevada case factors into settlements] When you get an ISP notice from your internet service provider (like Charter, Comcast, Cox, AT&T or Verizon) things can become pretty confusing pretty quick.  One key component to settling these alleged movie file-sharing cases is to understand the Cobbler Nevada case which puts an additional burden of proof on the Plaintiff in these copyright infringement matters.  Listen in as Attorney Steve Vondran discusses how this is used in real life movie litigation. If you received a demand letter or ISP subpoena notice call us at (877) 276-5084 for a free intial consultation, or visit us on the web at AttorneySteve.com.  

Attorney Steve® Trade Secret Litigation Essentials - Attorney fees and costs for a prevailing defendant. California Uniform Trade Secrets Act ("CUTSA") allows for the winning party Defendant to seek to recover their reasonable costs and attorney fees, including expert witness fees.  A Plaintiff must show (a) objective speciousness and (b) subjective bad faith.  Listen as Attorey Steve® discusses this important topic for Defendants who were wrongfully sued, and in bad faith by an overly aggressive or ignorant Plaintiff. For more information about California Trade Secret law visit TradeSecretAttorney.com or call us at (877) 276-5084.

Attorney Steve® - Recent Trends in IP & Copyright law (Summer 2023) 1.  Fair use opinions for educational institutions 2.  Strike 3 Holdings going strong 3.  Ansys cases still ongoing after Texas federal court case 4.  Photo infringement cases (check your website images) 5.  Joe Hand Boxing Piracy (don't use Roku or ESPN personal licenses for commercial use) 6.  Vondran Legal® knocks out huge trade secret win (be careful before pursuing ex-employees) 7.  Make sure to renew your trademarks (or face cancellation proceeding for abandonment) 8.  Phone-home alert - check your remote licensees and new hires for unlicensed software. For more information contact us at (877) 276-5084. Feel free to share this podcast on your social media networks.  Also, check out AttorneySteveVideos.com - we have now reached 40,000 subscribers!!  Thank you for supporting equal access to justice!!  Thanks for listening.

Attorney Steve® Copyright Infringement Essentials - Fair Use Defense In the Mattel Barbie photo infringement case, the issue of fair use defense was a major factor in the trial. Mattel sued Walking Mountain Productions, an independent production company, for copyright infringement. The basis of the claim was that Defendant had used images of Barbie dolls in photos they produced without the permission of Mattel. At the trial, Walking Mountain argued that their use of the images was protected under the fair use doctrine. The doctrine of fair use is a defense to copyright infringement that allows the limited use of copyrighted material without the permission of the copyright holder. The doctrine states that certain uses of copyrighted material may be allowed without the permission of the copyright holder if the use is for a specific purpose or falls into certain categories of use. In the case of Walking Mountain Productions, they argued that their use of the images was for the purpose of parody and satire, which falls under the fair use doctrine. In the end, the court agreed with Walking Mountain, ruling that their use of the images was a protected form of fair use. This case serves as an example of how the fair use doctrine can be used to protect artists and other creators from copyright infringement. It also serves as a reminder that artists need to be aware of their rights when it comes to copyright law and the fair use doctrine. Artists should always seek legal advice if they are unsure whether their use of copyrighted material is protected by the fair use doctrine.