If someone is being sued for copyright infringement can there be both a criminal and a civil suit against me at the same time from different parties?
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If someone is being sued for copyright infringement can there be both a criminal and a civil suit against me at the same time from different parties?
I though that the criminal suit would have to come before the civil suit?
Asked on April 2, 2012 under Business Law, Washington
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
Under the laws of all states as well as federal law, a person who has infringed upon a person's copyright can be sued civilly and criminally at the same time and in both state and federal court depending upon the circumstances of the alleged wrong.
States in this country have their own copyright laws in addition to federal copyright laws.
Typically the civil lawsuit is stayed pending the resolution of the criminal law suit.
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