Copyright Attorney In New York | Criminal Copyright Case Resolved With No Prosecution After Strategic Defense and Settlement

The accused was the CEO of a New York–based company operating an online platform that sold craft-related designs. 

The complainant, a competitor in the same industry, alleged that five copyrighted illustrations registered with the U.S. Copyright Office were displayed on the accused’s website and converted into cross-stitch design patterns for sale. 

On this basis, the complainant filed a criminal complaint alleging copyright infringement.

From the outset, the involvement of a Copyright Attorney New York was critical, as criminal copyright cases require proof of willful infringement for purposes of commercial advantage or private financial gain. 

The factual question was not merely whether the images were similar, but whether the accused knowingly violated protected rights.

Both parties operated in the same niche design market, intensifying scrutiny over originality and market practices. 

The complainant asserted exclusive rights based on copyright registration, while the accused maintained that the images reflected commonly used motifs long present in the industry. 

For a Copyright Attorney New York, this competitive context raised important questions regarding scènes à faire, originality, and the limits of copyright protection.

The industry backdrop suggested that the dispute was as much about competition as it was about intellectual property, shaping the defense strategy from the early stages.

Under federal law, criminal copyright infringement requires proof that the defendant acted willfully, meaning with knowledge that the work was protected and that the use was unauthorized. 

The prosecution alleged that the accused knew of the complainant’s copyright registrations and intentionally exploited the designs for profit.

The defense, led by a Copyright Attorney New York, challenged this assertion by emphasizing the absence of notice, licensing demands, or prior warnings. 

There was no evidence of actual knowledge of the registrations at the time the designs were uploaded or sold, undermining the willfulness requirement.

Another major issue concerned whether the images were truly original works entitled to broad protection. 

The defense demonstrated that similar designs had been widely circulated in overseas markets, including China, long before the complainant’s registration. 

These materials were submitted to show that the complainant’s copyrights were based on preexisting, commonly used imagery.

For a Copyright Attorney New York, establishing limited originality can significantly weaken infringement claims. 

If protection is thin, minor variations or independent use may fall outside the scope of infringement altogether.

Defense counsel submitted extensive factual and legal materials, including industry examples, comparative images, and copyright doctrine analysis. 

These materials demonstrated that the designs were commonly used visual concepts rather than unique artistic expressions exclusively owned by the complainant.

In addition, the Copyright Attorney New York emphasized that copyright registration alone does not guarantee enforceability against all similar works.

Without clear proof of copying and intent, criminal liability could not be sustained under applicable law.

Recognizing the commercial nature of the dispute, defense counsel pursued early settlement discussions with the complainant. 

By framing the issue as a misunderstanding rather than intentional infringement, the Copyright Attorney New York successfully negotiated a resolution involving minimal compensation.

This approach balanced legal defense with practical business considerations, allowing both parties to avoid prolonged litigation and uncertainty.

After the settlement was finalized, prosecutors issued a disposition of no prosecution due to lack of public interest and insufficient evidence of criminal intent. 

The acceptance of the defense arguments confirmed that the accused’s conduct did not meet the threshold for willful infringement.

For the accused, representation by a Copyright Attorney New York was instrumental in avoiding indictment, criminal record exposure, and operational disruption.

This case highlights several important lessons. Copyright disputes between competitors can escalate quickly into criminal matters if not handled carefully.

Businesses operating online should conduct reasonable diligence but also understand that not all registered works are enforceable in every context.

Engaging a Copyright Attorney New York at the earliest sign of dispute can mean the difference between criminal exposure and efficient resolution.

At SJKP, we provide comprehensive legal support for copyright disputes in New York, including criminal investigations, civil infringement claims, settlement negotiations, and compliance counseling. 

Our team understands how prosecutors evaluate intent, originality, and commercial impact. 

If you are facing a copyright allegation or need proactive guidance from a Copyright Attorney New York, we are ready to assist. Contact us to discuss how we can protect your business and intellectual property interests.