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Steve Charles Vondran

Steve Charles Vondran

Vondran Legal® Intellectual Property
  • Intellectual Property, Communications & Internet Law, Entertainment & Sports Law ...
  • Arizona, California
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Biography

Our law firm is a leader in intellectual property and piracy law. We have handled more software audits and torrent defense lawsuits than most other firms combined. We have a niche speciality practice in copyright infringement law and handle the following types of cases:

1. Software Audits and Licensing Disputes (Business Software Alliance, BSA, SIIA, Vero, Siemens, Solidworks, Autodesk, Adobe and Microsoft)

2. Torrent Defense Cases (ex. Malibu Media pornography, Flava Works and Strike 3 Holdings, LLC BitTorrent litigation cases in California Federal Court in the Southern, Central, Eastern and Northern District)

3. TV Signal Piracy cases (boxing match PPV infringement). Joe Hand Promotions, G&G Closed Circuit Events, Zuffa and J&J Sports Productions

4. Direct TV cases / Dish-Nagrstar piracy and IPTV defense (streaming media piracy)

5. Copyright infringement litigation (jewelry, photo infringement, DMCA anti-circumvention of software access control, p2p file-sharing defense, drone video footage)

6. Trademark infringement & registration (including domain name UDRP disputes with NAF, WIPO), IPR filings, Trademark Clearinghouse, and Cancellation and Opposition Proceedings.

7. California Right of Publicity Law / social media - celebrity endorsement agreements

8. UDRP domain name dispute arbitrations (WIPO, NAF, CIIRD)

9. New for 2022 - Metaverse, NFT, and Cryptocurrency arbitration and IP disputes.

We offer low flat rate legal fees in most non-litigation cases (ex. responding to ISP subpoena, or cease and desist or demand letters). We have appeared in over 300 state and federal litigation court cases since 2004.

Practice Areas
    Intellectual Property
    Communications & Internet Law
    Internet Law, Media & Advertising, Telecommunications Law
    Entertainment & Sports Law
    Trademarks
    Trademark Litigation, Trademark Registration
Additional Practice Areas
  • Software Audits (BSA, Microsoft, Solidworks, Adobe, Oracle, IBM, Autodesk)
  • Torrent Defense (Strike 3 Holdings, Flava Works)
  • Copyright Infringement (federal court lawsuits)
  • Fair Use Defense & Opinion Letters
  • UDRP Domain Name Arbitration (WIPO, NAF, CIIDRC)
  • TV Piracy (Dish-Nagrastar | IPTV | Motion Picture Association)
Fees
  • Free Consultation
    On Select cases and subject to availablity. Call us at (877) 276-5084 for more information.
  • Contingent Fees
    We may agree to take all or part of your case on a contingency fee basis.
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    We offer low flat rate legal fees for most non-litigation cases. We offer tenacious legal representation and great customer support and responsiveness.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Arizona
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California
State Bar of California
ID Number: 232337
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Attorney
Vondran Legal
Current
Business & Real Esate & IP & Entertainment Law.
President and Founder
Copyright Policy Institute
- Current
Oversee a Washington D.C. based copyright policy and advocacy non-profit organization and think tank. Focused on fair copyright policy and fair use rights.
Education
Whittier Law School
J.D.
Whittier Law School Logo
California State University - Fullerton
Undergraduate Degree
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Awards
Top 25 Copyright Infringement Law Firm in United States
Lex Machina
Our firm has appeared in over 200 federal court cases (mainly dealing with copyright infringement defense and Strike 3 Holdings, LLC torrent lawsuit litigation. We are now moving close to top 20 in the United States and will update this when that happens, as it will. This is judged per cases handled.
Recognized as #1 Copyright Infringement defense law firm in U.S.
Unicourt
Unicourt identified Vondran Legal® as the top copyright infringement defense law firm in 2020. We have handled many cases including photo, software, movie, video and jewelry infringement. This came as quite an honor.
CALI award for excellence in the study of Intellectual property law
CALI
Top Grade Entertainment Law
CALI award for Excellence in Legal Study
American Jurisprudence Award in Torts
Whittier Coll School of Law
Professional Associations
California State Bar  # 232337
Member
- Current
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Arizona State Bar
Executive Counsel for Intellectual Property Committee
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Activities: Discuss and analyzed issues such as trademark, parody, copyright, and patent trolling.
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Inside tips of handling GoDaddy and Domains by Proxy subpoenas
Steve Vondran, Esq.
The MOST IMPORTANT thing to know if you receive a subpoena from your ISP
Steve Vondran, Esq.
Understanding Vero software "phone-home" IP protection technology
Steve Vondran, Esq.
Copyright "Fair use
Steve Vondran, Esq.
Copyright "Fair use" tips for video producers
Steve Vondran, Esq.
How to choose a Strike 3 BitTorrent Defense law firm
Steve Vondran, Esq.
BSA software audit defense tips for auditees
Steve Vondran, Esq.
Damages possible in a California "Right of Publicity" lawsuit
Steve Vondran, Esq.
BSA software audit defense tips for auditees
Steve Vondran, Esq.
Siemens PLM software audit and defense guide
Steve Vondran, Esq.
Top tips to help settle a photo infringement dispute
Steve Vondran, Esq.
How to respond to a Soildworks software piracy demand
Steve Vondran, Esq.
Business Software Alliance settlements, what you need to know!
Steve Vondran, Esq.
Autodesk software audit survival tips
Steve Vondran, Esq.
Speaking Engagements
What every Doctor needs to know about Photo Infringement, Medical Liability, Internet Seminar
MedicalJustice.com
One hour podcast directed toward 50,000 medical professionals designed to highlight the key risk areas of photo infringement and provide practical tips to avoid costly infringement matters. Discussed Higbee & Associates and Pic Rights demand process, infringement rights and remedies, and other key aspects of responding to disputes over websites used on a medical professionals social media and corporate websites.
How to obtain a trademark WITHOUT hiring a law firm!, InventRight Training Seminar, California
InventRight
This was a free webinar presentation that featured Steve Vondran, Esq. ("Attorney Steve®"" as guest speaker teaching patent licensing candidates how they can seek federal trademark protection on the USPTO principal register without having to pay for costly attorney fees.
Websites & Blogs
Website
Our Corporate Website
Website
Attorney Steve Youtube Channel
Website
Vondran Legal Trade Secrets Website
Blog
tradesecrets.vondranlegal.com
Videos
Copyright and YouTube Fair Use Tips by Attorney Steve the Video Lawyer. Youtube Fair Use Tips by Attorney Steve

Copyright and YouTube Fair Use Tips by Attorney Steve the Video Lawyer.

Attorney Steve provides an overview of Siemens PLM lawsuits. Siemens PLM software piracy lawsuits overview

Attorney Steve provides an overview of Siemens PLM lawsuits.

Attorney Steve explains boxing match piracy claims (stealing Pay Per View signals) without having the proper commercial license. Busted for stealing the PPV boxing fight?

Attorney Steve explains boxing match piracy claims (stealing Pay Per View signals) without having the proper commercial license.

Our law firm is most likely the #1 leader in the United States.  We have handled hundreds of these software audits. Understanding Autodesk Software Audits - what you need to know.

Our law firm is most likely the #1 leader in the United States. We have handled hundreds of these software audits.

Attorney Steve discusses possible penalties and damages in a copyright infringement case such as video, software and photos. Copyright infringement damages

Attorney Steve discusses possible penalties and damages in a copyright infringement case such as video, software and photos.

Attorney Steve explains what a BSA software audit is. Business Software Alliance (BSA) Audits by Attorney Steve

Attorney Steve explains what a BSA software audit is.

Copyright nightmares for real estate brokers Attorney Steve Social Media Marketing Law Copyright Nightmares

Copyright nightmares for real estate brokers

Attorney Steve;s top ten tips to help you have a better chance to win your small claims case. How to win a small claims court lawsuit

Attorney Steve;s top ten tips to help you have a better chance to win your small claims case.

How to pick a great trademark slogan for your company part 1 How to pick a great slogan for your business by Attorney Steve

How to pick a great trademark slogan for your company part 1

Potential damages a bar, restaurant, lounge or night club owner may face for pirating a boxing, UFC, martial arts or PPV soccer match. Key players (Plaintiffs in this area include Joe Hand Promotions, G&G Closed Circuit Events, Zuffa, Integrated Sports and J&J Sports. In these cases you can face damages up to $100,000 or more (enhanced damages plus attorney fees). This is enough to put many small businesses out of business. We have helped many companies get these cases settled. Penalties for pirating a PPV boxing fight by Attorney Steve®

Potential damages a bar, restaurant, lounge or night club owner may face for pirating a boxing, UFC, martial arts or PPV soccer match. Key players (Plaintiffs in this area include Joe Hand Promotions, G&G Closed Circuit Events, Zuffa, Integrated Sports and J&J Sports. In these cases you can face damages up to $100,000 or more (enhanced damages plus attorney fees). This is enough to put many small businesses out of business. We have helped many companies get these cases settled.

Strike 3 Holdings, LLC hit with attorney fee award following loss on appeal in a torrent lawsuit case in Washington State. Important case in BitTorrent litigation. In this case, there was no copyright infringement found and the Defendant was able to recover its attorney fees which was affirmed on appeal. Strike 3 Holdings hit with HUGE Attorney Fee in non-infringement case

Strike 3 Holdings, LLC hit with attorney fee award following loss on appeal in a torrent lawsuit case in Washington State. Important case in BitTorrent litigation. In this case, there was no copyright infringement found and the Defendant was able to recover its attorney fees which was affirmed on appeal.

Legal Answers
51 Questions Answered
Q. I have a question regarding cybersquatting/domain name sales
A: The legality of selling domain names that are the trademarks of other companies is a complex issue and one that has been the subject of much legal debate. In order to understand the law on this matter, it is necessary to look at both trademark law and domain name law.

Trademark law protects the names, logos, and other identifying marks of a company or individual. This protection prevents others from using their mark to promote their own businesses or products. When a company or individual registers a trademark, they gain exclusive rights to the use of that mark. This means that they can prevent others from using their mark and can even seek damages if someone uses it without their permission.

When it comes to domain names, the law is slightly different. The domain name system (DNS) is a hierarchical structure that allows computers to locate each other on the internet (like an address). It also assigns domain names to particular websites and computers. Anyone can register a domain. name, but it is often not wise (and can be seen as cybersquatting) to register domains that contain the trademark of another company.

The legal question of whether it is legal to sell domain names that are the trademarks of other companies depends on the particular circumstances. Generally, it is not illegal to sell domain names that are the trademarks of other companies, as long as you do not infringe upon the trademark rights of the other company. However, if the domain name is confusingly similar to the trademark of the other company, or if you are using the trademark in bad faith, then you may face legal action for trademark infringement or possibly cybersquatting under the ACPA.

This can also lead to a potential UDRP action (ex. WIPO or NAF) where the owner can lose their domain name of the complainant can prove the three elements in a UDRP action:

1. Domain is confusingly similar to their trademark

2. No legitimate use

3. Registered and used domain in bad faith.

So, in these types of cases, you really need to get a legal opinion from a Trademark lawyer. All the best, see you at the top! Attorney Steve®

This is general legal information only and not legal advice.
... Read More
Q. Is it illegal for someone to take photos off of my Facebook account of my child to post on there account
A: If you took the image, it is your image (i.e., you own the copyright - even if you never registered it). Being that the use by the imposter would not appear to be commercial in nature, suing for copyright infringement may not be the most exciting option (especially since you cannot get attorney fees or "statutory damages" if the image is not registered. However, since you own the copyright, you could send Facebook a DMCA takedown (making sure to follow all the applicable rules to do that), and have them take down the photo since: 1. it appears to infringe your copyright and 2. It violates their terms of service (at least, that is what I would argue along the lines of posing as an imposter and possibly child endangerment). This is general legal information only and not legal advice. See you at the top! Attorney Steve® ... Read More
Q. I'm starting a video podcast. Can I use still images from various tv and movies?
A: Generally speaking, when it comes to using copyrighted images in a video podcast, it’s important to understand the laws surrounding copyright and fair use. In general, it is illegal to use copyrighted images without permission. However, there are certain exceptions to this rule, and one of them is fair use.

Fair use is a legal concept that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission or payment. In order to qualify as fair use, the use of the copyrighted material must meet certain criteria. The criteria are as follows:

1. The purpose and character of the use: Is the use commercial in nature, or is it mainly for nonprofit educational purposes?

2. The nature of the copyrighted work: Is the copyrighted work factual or creative?

3. The amount and substantiality of the portion used: Are you using the entire work, or just a small portion of it?

4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for the copyrighted work: Is the use likely to have an effect on the market for the copyrighted work?

If your use of a copyrighted image in a podcast, on balance, meets these four criteria, then it may qualify as fair use. Using an image for a very short duration (what I call the "minimum necessary" to make your point) then that may qualify as a fair use, but realize, some larger companies are very protective of their IP, so while its best to get permission, if you are within the 4 factors on balance (no one factor is definitive) and commenting on the photo, then you might be good.

This is not legal advice or a substitute for legal advice. All the best, see you at the top! Attorney Steve®
... Read More
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Annotations
Bell v. Wilmott Storage Services, LLC
US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
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Contact & Map
San Francisco / Bay Area
One Sansome Street, Suite 3500
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Toll-Free: (877) 276-5084
Fax: (888) 551-2252
Monday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
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Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Call us to speak with a copyright, technology, entertainment law and civil litigation attorney. We offer low flat rate fees for most non-litigation cases.
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Fax: (949) 417-0034
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Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Call us to speak with a copyright, technology, entertainment law and civil litigation attorney. We offer low flat rate fees for most non-litigation cases.
San Diego
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Rio Vista Tower, 8th Floor
san Diego, CA 92108
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Fax: (888) 551-2252
Monday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Call us to speak with a copyright, technology, entertainment law and civil litigation attorney. We offer low flat rate fees for most non-litigation cases.
Phoenix
2415 E. Camelback Road
Suite 700
Phoenix, AZ 85016
Toll-Free: (877) 276-5084
Monday: Open 24 hours (Today)
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours
Notice: Call us to speak with a copyright, technology, entertainment law and civil litigation attorney. We offer low flat rate fees for most non-litigation cases.