Infringement

By definition, infringement is any action that breaks or violates the terms of a law or an agreement.

In Intellectual Property (IP) Law, infringement most often refers to a violation of someone's IP rights that are legally recognised and enforcable. 

What Constitutes Infringement In IP?

Infringement in IP covers the unauthorised use, reproduction or sale of an invention, product or material that is someone else's protected IP. 

Examples of this include:

  • Using a trademarked logo to sell counterfeit products
  • Copying someone's artwork or writing and claiming it as your own
  • Fake websites purporting to be a brand's genuine site
  • Use of your likeness for financial gain 
  • Production of counterfeit copies of a patented item
  • Using imagery, music or videos created by someone else in contravention of the Fair Use Doctrine

There is no public office that will advise if your IP has been infringed upon and discovering infringement relies on the owner being diligent and performing regular checks. 

Dealing With Infringement

Unfortunately, infringement of IP rights occurs frequently. Sometimes this could be a genuine mistake on the part of the infringer or a deliberate act. 

The first step towards dealing with infringement is to issue a Cease and Desist letter, drafted by yourself, or preferably, an IP attorney. 

If no reply is received and the infringing behaviour continues, legal action will most often follow. 

It is important to have proof of your rights over the IP in question before asserting infringement as this will make it easier to achieve a successful outcome and avoid counterclaims.  You should also discuss infringement with an IP Attorney to determine the best strategy to follow.  

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