What is a copyright troll?

A copyright troll is an individual or corporate entity that uses copyright laws to potentially intimidate and extract settlements from those who may have unknowingly infringed on intellectual property laws. This typically involves sending out large volumes of “cease and desist” letters to those whom they believe have acted illegally, claiming that they must pay a settlement or face legal action and fines. In Nebraska, there have been several cases of copyright trolls making their presence felt. One such case involved a company sending out letters threatening legal action to individuals in Omaha, claiming they were in violation of copyright law for downloading copyrighted material through peer-to-peer networks. The company demanded a certain sum of money in return for avoiding legal action. It is important to note that while copyright infringement is illegal, it is not always the case that someone who may be accused of such is actually guilty. In some cases, it can be a misunderstanding or a technical issue. If you are ever faced with a copyright infringement claim, it is important to seek legal counsel before you consider any form of payment or negotiation. Failing to do so could put you in a difficult situation, as copyright trolls may use strong-arm tactics in an attempt to collect money.

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