Q: How closely do two books have to be in plot and setting for an author to successfully win a copyright infringement case?
Do I have to prove the other author has read my story to be successful?
A: Most copyright infringement claims are decided buy the specific facts of the case. There is no hard rule for the majority of infringement cases. Direct and literal plagiarism is an undeniable infringement. A similar general plot and setting may be an infringement, but it could also not be infringement. You will need to contact a copyright lawyer directly for a review. Expect to pay for the lawyer's time. Also, as warning copyright infringement cases are at minimum $10K if it goes into litigation (it can go into the millions if the case if difficult or hotly contested).
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
