Q: Do I need to pay to research a copyright where one is claimed but cannot be found in US Copyright Offices online search?
This is regarding a litigation I would like to bring to light in Ohio. Its very specifically plagiarism and the plagiarist has even used my penname. There are many specific parts of this that make it very difficult, one being I was a minor aged 13 when I wrote it and the law says I have no right to own anything. Second, it was physically stolen from my possession at the same time while in Jr high school. Also, requesting her to remove or cease from posting it online has created threats from her and her followers. Also, an image I took of a second poem was also stolen and is being used online. Lastly, the plagiarist has just published a book titled and including the stolen poem(s) and gaining monies as well as followers from social media and internet sites.
A:
It’s technically infringement because copyright protection begins when you put pen to paper. However, you must prove that you created the work in the first place. That might be tough to do in your predicament. Always a good idea to register your works with the copyright office, and always use an experienced IP attorney to do so.
Hope this helps,
Carl G. Hawkins
Jacksonville Legal Team®️
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