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The Criminal Defence Team at Wilford Smith Solicitors can offer a professional and discrete service, working tirelessly to defend you against such charges, while at the same time seeking to ensure that your reputation is also protected. Finding yourself subject to an investigation involving internet or copyright fraud can be an intimidating experience. It is vital that you have sophisticated and astute legal expertise at hand in order to conduct a robust defence in respect of any charges made against you. The Criminal Defence specialists at Wilford Smith Solicitors have many years experience in providing legal representation in relation to all types of crime, and can provide the strongest defence on behalf of those who are subject to accusations of fraud. Contact our specialist Criminal Defence Team today to find out how we can help.
Copyright fraud
Copyright offers protection to individuals and businesses that invest time and money in the creation of original work, such as music, books or computer software, and prevents others from copying this work without permission. Copyright protects the way in which an idea is expressed, rather than the idea itself. There exists a common misconception that copyright must be registered before someone can actively prevent others from copying their work, perhaps as a result of the frequent use of the copyright symbol that is regularly found on items we buy. However, this is not the case. Copyright automatically arises when something is created and is not required to be registered in the UK or Europe.
Copyright infringement occurs when a person copies another’s work wholly or substantially. In some cases, copyright infringement will be obvious, but many times there will be a dispute about whether an infringement has in fact taken place. These will often be the cases that end up in court. Whether a substantial part of a piece of work is held to have been copied will depend on many factors, with a qualitative rather than quantitative test being applied. It is for this reason that expert legal advice is essential when seeking to defend yourself against accusations of copyright infringement. The specialist Fraud Solicitors at Wilford Smith Solicitors can provide guidance from the earliest stage of any case to ensure the best outcome for you.
Internet fraud
Internet crime, also referred to as cybercrime, is a relatively new and developing area of the law covering a wide range of offences. Charges of internet fraud present both prosecutors and solicitors acting on behalf of defendants with many challenges, most significantly the vast volumes of data regularly gathered by investigating authorities. Furthermore, these cases will often have an international component, as information is shared across numerous jurisdictions.
Online fraud often takes the form of internet piracy, which refers to the stealing or hacking of another person’s digital property. In many cases, computer software or content such as music or DVDs will be illegally copied and shared across the internet, with the copyright of the rightful owner being passed off by the pirate as their own. In the UK, there are a number of trade organisations that act on behalf of owners in pursuit of those carrying out these types of offences, seeking prosecutions with assistance from the National Hi-Tech Crime Unit (NHTCU) and local authorities’ trading standards departments. To conduct an effective defence in respect of piracy charges specialist legal knowledge is required. The Criminal Defence Solicitors at Wilford Smith Solicitors have a wealth of experience in defending clients against allegations, charges and prosecutions relating to digital piracy.
Internet and Copyright Fraud Defence Solicitors in London, Sheffield and Manchester
The Criminal Defence Solicitors at Wilford Smith Solicitors are committed to providing an incredibly high-level service. We take a ruthless approach to developing a top-level strategy for you, and take pride in our reputation for unique representation. We give our clients a service that is exceptionally strategic and results-driven, and can attract the highest calibre barristers to provide support when necessary. By instructing a specialist Fraud Solicitor from the Wilford Smith Solicitors Criminal Defence Team, you can be sure that you will receive clear, straightforward advice as part of our client-focused and highly personal service.
Our Criminal Defence Solicitors are based in London, Sheffield and Manchester and provide advice and representation to clients throughout England and Wales. Contact us today on 0808 164 1028 to find out how we can help.
