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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.

Education
Whittier Law School
J.D. (2000) | Law
CALI award for Excellence in the Intellectual Property Law; CALI award for Excellence in Legal Study; American Jurisprudence Award in Torts
Whittier Law School Logo
California State University - Fullerton
B.S. (1994) | Kinisiology
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Professional Experience
Attorney
Vondran Legal
Current
2004-Current
President and Founder
Copyright Policy Institute
- Current
Legislative Analyst
Identity Theft Resource Center
-
Information Privacy Consultant
Experian Information Solutions
-
Contract Administration
Epoch Internet
-
Product Manager
Timeledger.com / Equative
-
Legal Assistant
Law Office of Dracup & Patterson
-
Professional Baseball Player
Cincinnati Reds
-
Publications
Speaking Engagements
Steve & Lisa Podcast, Apple Podcasts
What every Doctor needs to know about Photo Infringement, MedicalJustice.com Medical Liability, Internet Seminar
IP law for content creators, Queens Podcast Lab
How to obtain a trademark WITHOUT a lawyer, InventRight Seminar
How to obtain a trademark WITHOUT hiring a law firm!, InventRight Training Seminar, California
DMCA Copyright Law Overview, Live Online Lecture Copyright Class
Is sharing software on BItTorent legal?, Youtube IP Law
Awards
Superb Rating
Avvo
Client's Choice Award
Avvo
2012, 2015-2023
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.
#1 Copyright Infringement DefenseLaw 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.
Professional Associations
Copyright Society of the USA
Member
Current
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San Francisco Intellectual Property Law Association
Member
Current
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American Intellectual Property Law Association
Member
Current
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International Trademark Association
Member
Current
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American Bar Association
Member
Current
Activities: Sports & Entertainment Forum, Intellectual Property Law Section
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Beverly Hills Bar Association
Member
Current
Activities: Entertainment Law Section
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Orange County Trial Lawyers Association
Member
Current
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Arizona State Bar
Member
- Current
Activities: Executive Counsel for Intellectual Property Committee, 2014
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California State Bar  # 232337
Member
- Current
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Arizona
State Bar of Arizona
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California
State Bar of California
ID Number: 232337
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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.
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)
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Legal Answers
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
View More Answers
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

http://www.vondranlegal.com - What do you think? Drop your comments below! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE!! Yes, it is very possible for you to get sued posting an image of you! As... Can YOU be sued for posting YOUR image?

http://www.vondranlegal.com - What do you think? Drop your comments below! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE!! Yes, it is very possible for you to get sued posting an image of you! As...

http://www.TrademarkCollege.com - Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more great legal videos! Counterfeit fan art is all too common, but did you know it can also violate trademark laws? In this... Counterfeit Fan Art and Trademark Seizure Orders explained by Attorney Steve

http://www.TrademarkCollege.com - Make sure to SUBSCRIBE for more great legal videos! Counterfeit fan art is all too common, but did you know it can also violate trademark laws? In this...

http://www.federalcopyrightlawyer.com - Click here to see the full case. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for the best cutting edge legal videos online!! COPYRIGHT CASE OF THE DAY WITH ATTORNEY STEVE LAW FIRM sues LAW FIRM for copying legal brief

http://www.federalcopyrightlawyer.com - Click here to see the full case. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE for the best cutting edge legal videos online!! COPYRIGHT CASE OF THE DAY WITH ATTORNEY STEVE

http://www.attorneysteve.com - MAKE SURE TO SUSBCRIBE!! Learn all about oral partnerships and how they differ from written contracts in this informative video with Attorney Steve Oral Partnerships explained by Attorney Steve

http://www.attorneysteve.com - MAKE SURE TO SUSBCRIBE!! Learn all about oral partnerships and how they differ from written contracts in this informative video with 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. 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.

http://www.vondransports.com - Thanks for watching and supporting FREE legal education and equal access to justice. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE and feel the sheer joy of smashing that LIKE BUTTON!! Understanding... Sports NIL endorsement contracts ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS

http://www.vondransports.com - Thanks for watching and supporting FREE legal education and equal access to justice. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE and feel the sheer joy of smashing that LIKE BUTTON!! Understanding...

http://www.VondranLegal.com - How to turn your stolen and infringed photographs, film, video and drone footage into mailbox money by holding copyright infringers accountable. Did you know that using someone's photo... Stolen photos can equate to MAILBOX MONEY!

http://www.VondranLegal.com - How to turn your stolen and infringed photographs, film, video and drone footage into mailbox money by holding copyright infringers accountable. Did you know that using someone's photo...

http://www.vondranlegal.com - Strike 3 Holdings Copyright Infringement Defense Law Firm. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE!!! Learn about the massive copyright infringement lawsuits filed by Strike 3 Holdings! Discover the impact on... Strike 3 Holdings Copyright Infringement Crusade

http://www.vondranlegal.com - Strike 3 Holdings Copyright Infringement Defense Law Firm. Make sure to SUBSCRIBE!!! Learn about the massive copyright infringement lawsuits filed by Strike 3 Holdings! Discover the impact on...

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.

http://www.vondranlegal.com - How to turn your stolen and infringed software into profits by holding copyright infringers accountable. VONDRAN LEGAL SOFTWARE LICENSE RECOVERY PROGRAMS Learn how to turn software infringement into... Turn software infringement into profits with Vondran Legal license recovery

http://www.vondranlegal.com - How to turn your stolen and infringed software into profits by holding copyright infringers accountable. VONDRAN LEGAL SOFTWARE LICENSE RECOVERY PROGRAMS Learn how to turn software infringement into...

Contact & Map
Vondran Law
San Francisco / Bay Area Office
One Sansome Street, Suite 3500
San Francisco, CA 94104
Toll-Free: (877) 276-5084
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.
Vondran Law
Santa Monica Office
401 Wilshire Blvd. 12th Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
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: Our offices are open 365/24/7. Please call and usually we will answer, if not, please leave a detailed message and we will call you back as soon as possible.
Vondran Law
Newport Beach / Orange County Office
620 Newport Center Dr
Suite 1100
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Telephone: (877) 276-5084
Fax: (949) 417-0034
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.
Vondran Law
San Diego Office
8880 Rio San Diego Drive
Rio Vista Tower, 8th Floor
San Diego, CA 92108
Toll-Free: (877) 276-5084
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.
Vondran Law
Phoenix / Camelback Office
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.
Vondran Law
Phoenix / Uptown Office
7878 N 16th St, Suite #6
Phoenix, AZ 85020
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: Our offices are open 365/24/7. Please call and usually we will answer, if not, please leave a detailed message and we will call you back as soon as possible.
Vondran Law
Washington D.C. / Copyright Policy Institute
601 13th Street NW, Suite 900
Washington D.C., DC 20005