Copyright Lawyer Los Angeles: Protecting Indian Creators from Global Infringement

The creative energy of India spans the globe—from Bollywood filmmakers in California to tech innovators in Silicon Valley. For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) living in the USA, especially in major cultural centres like Los Angeles, your intellectual property is not just an idea—it’s a valuable asset. As your work gains international visibility, the threat of copyright infringement grows. That’s why partnering with a seasoned copyright lawyer Los Angeles is essential.

Why Indian Creators Abroad Need a Copyright Lawyer Los Angeles for IP Protection

Indian-origin creators in the U.S. are increasingly exposed to unauthorised use of their music, scripts, books, apps, and designs—especially online. Most NRIs and OCIs are unaware of how both Indian and U.S. copyright laws can work together to protect their content. A qualified copyright attorney helps ensure that your intellectual property is legally recognised, properly registered, and globally protected.

1. Role of a Copyright Lawyer Los Angeles

A skilled copyright lawyer Los Angeles understands both U.S. copyright law (Title 17 of the U.S. Code) and global conventions like the Berne Convention, under which India is also a member. For NRIs and OCIs, this means:

Registering your works with the U.S. Copyright Office
Enforcing your rights in U.S. federal courts
Drafting licensing agreements and contracts
Sending cease-and-desist notices
Coordinating cross-border enforcement with legal teams in India

For HNIs, intellectual property often holds immense commercial value. Whether you’re a filmmaker in Hollywood or a music producer in New York, a customised IP protection strategy is vital.

2. Recent Legal Developments for NRIs and OCIs

Several legal updates in India and internationally now affect copyright protection for NRIs and OCIs:

Indian Legal Amendments

Copyright Act, 1957 (Amended in 2012): These amendments enhanced digital rights and included stronger protection for performers. The general copyright term is the author’s life plus 60 years (India), versus 70 years in the U.S.
Eastern Book Company v. D.B. Modak (2008): Reinforced originality and copyrightability of judicial content, establishing a legal foundation for creators’ rights.

International Agreements

India is a signatory to the Berne Convention and TRIPS Agreement, which offer automatic protection to Indian-origin works in over 180 countries, including the U.S.

FEMA Amendments

In 2024, changes to Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 simplified investment rules for NRIs and OCIs. This supports creators who want to monetise IP through Indian entities.

OCI Restrictions

New classifications identify OCIs as “foreign nationals” in certain contexts, requiring additional permissions to pursue legal or business matters in India. This makes professional legal guidance even more crucial.

3. Copyright Protection for Indians Abroad: What You Need to Know

Automatic copyright protection under the Berne Convention does not replace the benefits of formal registration:

In the U.S., you need federal registration to sue for statutory damages and recover attorney fees (Section 504).
In India, registration is not mandatory but serves as primary evidence of ownership under Section 48 and Section 55 of the Copyright Act, 1957.

Your intellectual property lawyer Los Angeles can manage the dual-registration process and proactively enforce your rights across borders.

4. Navigating Infringement and Legal Remedies

If your copyrighted work is misused—online or offline—a legal strategy must be put in place immediately.

In the U.S., remedies include:

Injunctions to stop use
Statutory damages ($750–$150,000 per work)
Actual damages and profits
Attorney fees and legal costs

In India, civil remedies include:

Injunctions
Damages or account of profits
Destruction of infringing copies

A copyright lawyer Los Angeles will also collaborate with Indian counsel to initiate legal proceedings in India when necessary.

5. How an Intellectual Property Lawyer Los Angeles Supports NRIs and OCIs

An experienced intellectual property lawyer Los Angeles adds value through:

Customised licensing and royalty agreements
Legal strategy for content distribution on global platforms
Structuring of IP assets for tax efficiency
Advising on content ownership disputes and joint authorship issues

6. Common Pitfalls NRIs and OCIs Must Avoid

Not registering in both jurisdictions
Relying only on automatic protection
Ignoring local law differences
Poor documentation of ownership or licensing
Delaying action when infringement is discovered

Avoiding these mistakes requires proactive legal planning. With a copyright protection Indians abroad strategy in place, creators can act confidently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. As an NRI/OCI, should I register my work in both India and the U.S.?

A. Yes. Dual registration maximises your enforcement options in both jurisdictions. It also strengthens your credibility during infringement cases.

Q2. How can a lawyer help if my content is stolen online?

A. A copyright lawyer Los Angeles can send DMCA takedown notices, file cease-and-desist letters, and initiate legal action in the appropriate jurisdiction.

Q3. Does my OCI status affect my copyright rights?

A. Not directly. However, procedural hurdles may arise during Indian litigation. A knowledgeable IP lawyer can guide you through these complexities.

Q4. Can I sue a company in the U.S. for using my Indian work?

A. Yes. With U.S. registration, you can file a copyright infringement lawsuit and seek significant compensation.

Q5. What legal remedies are available in India?

A. You can claim injunctions, damages, and delivery of infringing goods. LawCrust can coordinate local enforcement through its expert panel.

Outlook

Global content distribution means that your work can travel far—and be misused just as quickly. As laws evolve to keep pace with AI, streaming, and digital publishing, creators must take control of their intellectual property. For NRIs and OCIs, protection is no longer optional—it is critical to your success and reputation.

Conclusion

If you’re an Indian creator living in Los Angeles or anywhere in the United States, your intellectual property is vulnerable to global misuse. By working with a qualified copyright lawyer Los Angeles, you ensure your creations are registered, protected, and monetised the right way. Whether you’re an HNI with a global brand or a first-time author, legal protection is the foundation of your creative freedom.

About LawCrust Legal Consulting

LawCrust Legal Consulting, a subsidiary of LawCrust Global Consulting Ltd., is a trusted legal partner for NRIs and Indians across the globe. Backed by a team of over 70 expert lawyers and more than 25 empanelled law firms, we offer a wide range of legal services both in India and internationally. Our expertise spans across legal finance, litigation management, matrimonial disputes, property matters, estate planning, heirship certificates, RERA, and builder-related legal issues.

In addition to personal legal matters, LawCrust also provides expert support in complex corporate areas such as foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign institutional investment (FII), mergers & acquisitions, and fundraising. We also assist clients with OCI and immigration matters, startup solutions, and hybrid consulting solutions. Consistently ranked among the top legal consulting firms in India, LawCrust proudly delivers customised legal solutions across the UK, USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, APAC, and EMEA, offering culturally informed and cross-border expertise to meet the unique needs of the global Indian community.

Protect Indian Works Abroad with a Copyright Lawyer Los Angeles