1. Music Lawyers NYC | Case Background
When navigating the digital content landscape, creators must be vigilant about the materials they use, as copyright disputes are increasingly common.
Our client, an up-and-coming online creator, found themselves in this exact situation, requiring the immediate assistance of skilled music lawyers NYC.
Copyright Claim from a Fellow Creator
Our client, a New York-based vlogger, was building a significant online following through personally produced video content.
They received a formal complaint alleging copyright infringement for using a modified background music track in several popular videos.
The claimant, another content creator who produced the original music, alleged willful infringement under Title 17 of the U.S. Code, submitting evidence comparing the original and altered audio files.
The claimant argued that our client's use of the track was for commercial advantage, pointing to the ad revenue generated from the videos in question, prompting our client to seek counsel from our music lawyers NYC.
2. Music Lawyers NYC | Reviewing the Infringement Allegations
Upon retaining SJKP, our team of music lawyers nycconducted a thorough review of the claimant’s allegations and the specific facts of the case.
This initial analysis was crucial for developing a strategy that prioritized our client's long-term creative and financial stability.
Conflicting Arguments in the Dispute
The core of the dispute involved differing interpretations of copyright law and intent, a common area of practice for music lawyers NYC.
| Client's Position | Claimant's Allegations |
| The music was used for atmospheric purposes, not for direct commercial gain. | The use of the music directly contributed to video views and ad revenue, establishing a clear commercial purpose. |
| Significant alterations were made to the melody and tone, creating a belief that infringement was avoided. | The altered track remained substantially similar to the original work, constituting an unauthorized derivative work. |
| There was no willful intent to violate any copyright. | The method of acquisition and alteration suggested a willful disregard for copyright law, potentially leading to heightened penalties. |
3. Music Lawyers NYC | Strategic Legal Assistance
Understanding the significant risks of statutory damages and a public legal dispute, SJKP's music lawyers nycadvised a proactive and conciliatory approach.
Our goal was to de-escalate the conflict and negotiate a private resolution before the matter proceeded to costly federal court litigation.
Key Legal Issues at Stake
Our legal team identified several critical issues that required careful navigation. A court could find that the client’s modifications were insufficient to avoid being "substantially similar" to the original composition, a key element in infringement cases under the U.S. Copyright Act.
The claimant's allegations of willfulness posed a serious threat, as a finding of willfulness under Title 17, U.S.C. § 504 could increase statutory damages up to $150,000 per infringed work.
Beyond potential damages, our client also faced the risk of being held liable for the claimant's attorney's fees, further escalating financial exposure.
The case underscored the need for creators to consult with music lawyers nycat the earliest stage of a dispute.
Initiating Settlement Negotiations
SJKP's music lawyers nycpromptly engaged with the claimant’s counsel to open a channel for amicable discussion.
We conveyed our client's remorse and immediate actions to rectify the situation, which included removing all videos containing the disputed track from their channel.
This demonstration of good faith, combined with a clear desire to avoid prolonged legal proceedings, established a foundation for productive settlement negotiations.
The guidance from our music lawyers nycwas critical in framing the client's actions positively to facilitate a resolution.
4. Music Lawyers NYC | Achieving Case Dismissal
Through strategic negotiation, our music lawyers nycsuccessfully guided the dispute away from litigation and toward a mutually agreeable resolution.
This outcome protected our client's reputation and allowed them to continue their creative work without the threat of a federal lawsuit.
A Favorable Resolution for the Creator
A confidential settlement agreement was successfully negotiated and executed by both parties. In exchange for a settlement payment, the claimant agreed to release our client from all claims and formally withdraw the copyright complaint.
This pre-litigation resolution enabled our client to avoid a public and potentially damaging court case, substantial statutory damages, and the risk of a permanent injunction against their content.
The guidance of our music lawyers nycproved instrumental in closing the matter efficiently and discreetly.
Copyright infringement claims, particularly in the fast-paced world of online content creation, can have severe consequences.
If you are a creator facing a DMCA notice, a cease and desist letter, or a formal lawsuit, navigating the complexities of Title 17 of the U.S. Code requires experienced legal guidance.
The team of dedicated music lawyers nycat SJKP is equipped to analyze your situation, develop a strategic defense, and negotiate resolutions that protect your creative career. Contact SJKP for a consultation to address your legal concerns.
26 Feb, 2026
