What Is Copyright Infringement?

Copyright infringement is the violation of any of the exclusive rights of the copyright owner (17 U.S.C. § 501(a)). Anyone who violates any of those rights is an infringer. The exclusive rights are reproduction, preparation of derivative works, distribution, public performance, and public display (17 U.S.C. § 106).

Proving infringement generally requires proof of ownership of a valid copyright and proof that the defendant copied protected expression. Copying is shown directly or through access plus substantial similarity. Independent creation is a defense; so is fair use (17 U.S.C. § 107). Registration, standing, and the remedies available, including statutory damages and attorney's fees, are explained in the site's copyright litigation guides.

Pinpoint: 17 U.S.C. § 501. Related term: Copyright Infringement.

Sources.

• 17 U.S.C. § 501: infringement of copyright. law.cornell.edu
• 17 U.S.C. § 106: exclusive rights in copyrighted works. law.cornell.edu
• 17 U.S.C. § 107: limitations on exclusive rights, fair use. law.cornell.edu

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