The internet has made our lives easier. We’re able to stay connected, research, and find recipes that allow us to cook meals. However, the internet has complicated some aspects of life. The number of court cases filed by small businesses over intellectual property (IP) disputes is on the rise. Part of the reason for this increase is due to digital copyright issues.
The UK law firm Hugh James released research indicating that the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) heard 308 cases in 2014. This is up from 287 in 2013. In the first 8 months of 2015, there have been 183 claims. IPEC is a court in the UK that hears IP cases.
Many of these claims involved disputes over digital content. The internet makes it easy for original videos, photos, and other works to be copied and reproduced without the original creator’s consent.
It is difficult to police the use of such things once they are online. As online platforms and social media continues to rise in popularity and use, the online branding of companies has become more integral to success than ever before. The Catch-22 is that once your IP is online, it becomes more difficult to protect.
The IPEC has capped the costs recoverable from the losing side at £50,000, which has bolstered the confidence of small businesses in making claims. The process for making a claim has also been made to be more streamlined.
If you believe that your IP has been used without your authorization, no matter where in the world your rights have been violated, contact the offices of Greenberg & Lieberman, LLC. Our attorneys specialize in intellectual property cases. Contact us today.
