What kind of punishment do I receive for violating the Copyright Act?

Hello. I am a copyright specialist attorney.

If you have discovered a song similar to one you personally created, you can examine whether there is a violation of the Copyright Act.

Copyright is the right that creators have over creative works such as poetry, novels, music, and videos, and using these without permission constitutes copyright infringement.

In particular, if creative parts such as the chorus or hook of a song are similar, you can suspect not just simple similarity but the possibility of plagiarism.

In this case, the infringer may face civil damages as well as criminal punishment of imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine of up to 50 million won.

In addition, since rights arise simultaneously with creation regardless of copyright registration, protection can be received regardless of whether it is registered.

To prove the infringement, it is important to secure materials on the similarity between the two songs in melody, rhythm, structure, lyrics, etc., prior creation, and the creation process.

If the current situation is similar enough to suspect plagiarism, please proceed with civil and criminal responses through analysis by copyright experts and legal advice from a copyright specialist attorney.

At Daeryun Law Firm, not only intellectual property law specialist attorneys but also various attorneys in fields such as criminal and civil specialists are responding as one team to protect music copyrights.

If you suspect copyright act violation and want to file a complaint, please receive a legal consultation right away.