When you use someone else’s work without their permission, you can face criminal charges. While intellectual property theft may be a white collar crime, it is not something to be taken lightly—it can result in jail time and fines. At The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski, our criminal defense attorney can help you. Call today for an initial consultation to learn more about your rights and start building your defense.
What Is Intellectual Property Theft?
When a person uses another’s creative work without their permission, they may be guilty of committing intellectual property (IP) theft. Examples of IP theft include stealing or using without authorization various types of creative works, including patents, copyrighted materials, trademarks, music, or even trade secrets. When a person commits intellectual property theft, they can face criminal consequences and penalties that include jail time, fines, probationary periods, revocation of professional licenses in some cases, and more. Civil penalties are also possible.
Examples of IP Theft
IP theft can look very different depending on the type of industry or/and the type of creative work. Some examples of intellectual property theft include:
- An employee leaving a company to join another company (or start their own), and bringing sensitive product information/trade secrets with them, and then using these trade secrets in their business products or services.
- Passing along secret company information to another party.
- Using someone else’s creative work(s) without their permission, such as unlawfully downloading music or using a logo without authorization.
Penalties for Theft of Intellectual Property
Intellectual property theft may fall into one or more specific criminal definitions, per Massachusetts code. It could be categorized as copyright infringement, trade secrets larceny, or something else, depending on the details of the crime. Unlawfully taking a trade secret, for example, is considered larceny (theft) in Massachusetts, and could be penalized by up to five years in prison, or a fine of up to $25,000 and imprisonment in jail for up to two years (Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 266 Section 30). As mentioned above, there may also be civil penalties for intellectual property theft, as well as harm to your personal and professional reputation.
Steps to Take if You’re Facing Criminal Charges
If you have been charged with a crime related to the theft of intellectual property, it’s important that you seek legal counsel immediately. An attorney will help you to understand the charges against you and the penalties you could be facing. Importantly, an attorney will work with you to build your defense and protect your rights throughout the process. The job of your attorney is to defend you and secure the best possible case outcome given the facts of your case.
At The Law Office of Paul R. Moraski, we have years of experience working for clients like you. Call us now at (978) 397-0011 to get the help you need and the legal counsel you can trust.