Q: How can I prove my ownership of a story when I do not have documented legal proof but I have other evidence to Prove it
I have a story, but I do not have any documented proof of ownership. If this story is stolen, can I prove my ownership with other evidence, and what are the evidence?
A: If you have drafts of the story which precede the drafts in the possession of whoever you are alleging claimed authorship. And you can lay a foundation for the authenticity of this evidence regarding the date it was created, then yes, possibly. Copyright in a work vests from the moment the work was created.
Cesar Mejia Duenas agrees with this answer
A:
There is certainly more information needed in this case. The plaintiff has the burden of proof in a copyright action so you should be able to produce any type of evidence that you drafted that story. First, if you drafted the story and the initial draft was stolen you may want to consider filing a police report against the person who stole it.
You may use the metadata from your documents to prove when it was created.
You may use the metadata from the stolen document to prove it was stolen.
You may produce your own testimony, or that of another person familiar with when the story was written, and how the story was stolen.
You did not mention what other evidence you have so I am unable to asses whether that evidence would be admissible.
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.