Sign in or Signup | For Lawyers | Jobs | About | Contact 612-466-0010

1 Answers

Individual is using my copyrighted and registered ad copy stolen from my website

Asked by: 347 views , , ,
Business, Intellectual Property

A former business partner is selling a knock-off of products that I sell but I failed to patent. This same individual is using (my) copyrighted and registered ad copy stolen from my website.

a. What must be done to 1) stop the use and 2) recover damages?

b. Can damages be recovered for each of the thefts (he’s using stolen ad copy for several items)? And for each of the thefts at each of the websites/affiliates?

1 Answers



  1. on Jul 22, 2011

    Dan:

    Here are your answers:

    a. You can start with a cease and desist letter and demand for a settlement payment. See http://www.aaronhall.com/blog/minnesota-cease-desist-letter/. Or you could go straight to a lawsuit, which is more expensive but sometimes more effective because a lawsuit is far more serious than a cease and desist letter.

    b. Yes, courts can and do award damages in lawsuits like this. The question will be whether it is worth the legal fees in light of the potential damage award. For example, it’s obviously not worth spending $20,000 in legal fees to get a damage award for $15,000.

    Aaron Hall, Attorney
    Twin Cities Law Firm
    901 Marquette Ave, Suite 1675
    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
    http://www.aaronhall.com/
    http://minnesotabusinessattorney.com/

    DISCLAIMER: This information may be inaccurate or out of date. You absolutely should consult with your own attorney before acting on any information here. By using this site, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use.

    Did you find this answer helpful? If so, please rate me on Avvo.

    0 Votes Thumb up 0 Votes Thumb down 0 Votes


Answer Question