Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much do I get from each settlement or award?
A.  Please see the fees page. 

Q. How many illegal users can you catch?
A.  It depends on several factors, such as type of your software, popularity of your software, major country of usage, type of user (business or home). 

Q.  Can I catch the illegal users and make them pay me?
A.  Without using a collecting agency or a copyright Lawyer, you will generally be ignored. The most difficult part is to make them pay you.  Most of them will ignore you.  Some of them just deny that they did anything wrong.  Also, most companies know that an individual shareware developer does not have the resources or knowledge to pursue pirates (copyright infringers). 

Q.  Why should I use SharewareJustice's services?
A. 1.  We are experienced using this tracking system and have recovered numerous settlements for our clients.
2.  If you pursue infringers using most lawyers, you will accumulate thousands of dollars in legal fees before you get your first settlement.  If there is no settlement, this could be a very risky proposition for you.  
3.  When you sign up with us, we only get paid if you get paid.  
4.  We can refer you to collection agencies who agree to work on a contingency basis.
5.  We are a third party that will vouch for the authenticity of the infringement data. 
6.  Our parent company has filed civil action in Los Angeles against known infringing parties as well as John Does hiding behind ISPs, and will continue to do so for our clients.  We are experienced in this entire process and can guide you along.

Q. Can I contact the infringers myself?
A. We STRONGLY recommend that all communication with the infringing parties be done via copyright lawyers.  Since this is a very serious legal matter, and is best handled by experience copyright lawyers.

Q. How long does it take to get the settlement from the infringing users?
A. 4-12 weeks from the time the copyright attorneys send them cease and desist letter.  However, some cases never get a settlement and requires civil action.  This is an optional step for you.

Q. Are there other hidden fees?
A.  There are no hidden fees.  

Q.  Do I have to register my software through the US copyright office?
A.    A registered US copyright is absolutely needed, to make it easier to pursue US infringements.  The first thing opposing attorneys request is the copyright number.  Attorneys that will represent you will not pursue a case without it.  Your software MUST be copyrighted through the US copyright office. The instructions are here.  However, currently it takes up to 8 months to get a software program registered.  This due to the large number of copyright applications.