Copyright infringement and piracy represent serious legal issues in Georgia, regulated by both civil and criminal legislation. Piracy involves the unauthorized copying, distribution, or use of intellectual property (movies, music, software, books). Legal services in this category are two-fold: they include protecting the interests of copyright holders (authors, producers, companies) against piracy, as well as defending individuals accused of copyright infringement. Article 189 of the Criminal Code of Georgia provides for liability for misappropriation of authorship or illegal use of copyright resulting in significant damage.
The service includes complex legal assistance:
- For Rights Holders (Anti-Piracy): Taking measures against pirate websites, communicating with ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to restrict access, initiating criminal proceedings, and claiming damages.
- Defense for Accused: Advocacy in criminal cases, evaluating evidence (e.g., whether the use was truly commercial), reaching plea agreements, or obtaining an acquittal.
- Corporate Audit: Checking companies for risks related to unlicensed software and ensuring compliance.
- Civil Litigation: Demanding compensation for copyright infringement, which may include lost profits.
Real-world scenarios often involve the illegal use of software in offices (e.g., cracked Windows or Photoshop), frequently followed by audits and substantial fines. Another common case involves websites distributing movies or music without a license. In such instances, producers apply to the Prosecutor's Office to start an investigation under Article 189. On the other hand, there are frequent cases where an individual or small business is groundlessly accused of infringement, where the role of a qualified lawyer is crucial to establishing the truth.
The legal framework is based on the Criminal Code of Georgia (Article 189), which imposes fines, corrective labor, or imprisonment for misappropriation of copyright. In parallel, the Law of Georgia on Copyright and Related Rights defines the content of infringement and the scope of civil liability. The Code of Administrative Offences is also important, providing fines for minor violations.
The process begins with evidence gathering (e.g., notarized screenshots, expert opinions on software). If the case moves into the criminal realm, the lawyer participates in interrogations and investigative actions. When representing the rights holder, the lawyer prepares the complaint and cooperates with the financial police. When representing the accused, the strategy is aimed at reducing the damage amount or refuting the charges. Legal.ge gives you access to lawyers experienced in both civil and criminal intellectual property disputes.
Copyright infringement is not a "light" crime and can lead to severe financial and legal consequences. Whether you are protecting your intellectual property or need defense against charges, you will find the appropriate competence on the Legal.ge platform.
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