What is a copyright troll?

A copyright troll is someone who threatens people with legal action if they use or possess certain material without permission. In the U.S., it is illegal to reproduce, publish, or sell copyrighted material without the permission of the copyright holder. Copyright trolls exploit this law by filing suits against individuals or companies they believe are violating copyright laws. In Oklahoma, copyright trolls are generally individuals or businesses who purchase large portfolios of copyrights from prior owners, often with the intention of filing suit against alleged infringers. While copyright trolls do not actually produce any original works, they make money by filing suit against alleged infringers for hefty settlements. Copyright trolls may also send cease and desist letters, or other forms of legal threats, to those they believe are infringing on their copyrights. This can lead to expensive and lengthy legal battles, and many small business owners have been taken advantage of by copyright trolls. Fortunately, the U.S. Copyright Office has developed a process for potential defendants called “fair use,” which permits limited use of copyrighted material without the need to obtain permission from the copyright holder. This can help protect businesses and individuals from copyright trolls. Understanding the law and knowing when to get permission is key to avoiding becoming the target of a copyright troll.

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