Expert: Kacey Cahill - 6/9/2009

Question
I publish a book that we market worldwide.  Googling the book will find dozens of sites that have posted the entire book online for free.  Most are US based.  I have written threatening letters to no avail.

Is there any real protection for the little guy?

Answer
Don,
I am assuming that you obtained a copyright on the book.  If so, you send the host company a letter (called take down letters) saying who you are and how you may be reached, identifying the infringing material, and attaching your copyright.  Each host Site has an inbox for these letters, and will take it down based on a properly worded take down letter.  If the offender says that they wrote the book, etc. then the book will go back up.  This goes on and on until somebody sues or gives up or the Site says neither party may post on the site.  The other and more traditional route is to sue for an injunction barring them from posting it.

I hope this is somewhat helpful, but please remember that this is intended for educational purposes and not as legal advice.


Kind regards,


Kacey Cahill
www.kaceylaw.com