Q: I have a jurisdiction question. I am a German resident (U.S. citizen) but had a PO Box in California.
I am facing a lawsuit over a copyright issue. A California attorney is threatening to take me to court over using a copyrighted creative commons image on my website. I have since closed that PO Box and have no physical ties in the U.S. Since I am not a resident of the U.S. can they serve me here? And what happens if they cannot physically serve me? Do I lose by default?
A:
There are many ways for serving somebody in a lawsuit including service by mail, via a consulate, by publication and more.
So technically they can serve you.
And if you do not respond you can be found responsible by default.
They could ask a German court to enforce the judgment.
The fact that you are posting this may strengthen their argument that you knew, and had a chance to defend yourself.
You should consult with an attorney.
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