The Hungarian competition authority has launched a campaign titled 'Think Calmly!' to raise awareness about the dangers posed by copyright trolls, particularly to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These trolls exploit copyright laws not for genuine use but to enforce claims and extract financial settlements from businesses.

Copyright trolls typically engage in mass, automated claims, preferring settlements that are often higher than the actual licensing fees but lower than potential litigation costs. This practice can distort the purpose of copyright law and lead to its abuse, even though their activities are not inherently illegal.

SMEs often underestimate the risks associated with copyright issues, which can arise from seemingly innocent mistakes, such as using images downloaded from Google without proper licensing. Additionally, reliance on third-party contractors can also lead to copyright disputes if those contractors make errors.

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) generated content complicates the copyright landscape further, as these creations may inadvertently infringe on existing protected works. The authority advises businesses to be cautious and verify the copyright status of any content they wish to use, including AI-generated materials.

To mitigate risks, the authority recommends that companies stay informed about copyright laws, carefully review the scope of any licenses they hold, and seek legal advice when faced with copyright infringement claims. They should not automatically pay demands but should investigate the legitimacy of the claims before taking action.

For more information, businesses can visit the Hungarian competition authority's website, where additional resources on copyright trolls are available.