How To Stay Copyright Compliant
In a world where content is created and shared on multiple platforms every nano second of every day, the need for constant content is real.
Creating and sourcing content these days can appear to be a breeze; simply pop on to Pinterest, Google or social media platforms, right click, save as and fill your boots with content.
Unfortunately, this means the creators of content aka the good photographers, designers, artists and illustrators of this world are open to having their IP ripped away from them with content being used without consent every single second. And this is against the law.
The good news for those who do want to walk the line of the law is that there are plenty of places where you can get your hands on royalty free photos and videos such as:
But of course, there are some times when a business or agency wants to use a specific piece of content that’s more relatable or includes your business in it for example a photo of a wedding at a venue.
How To Stay Copyright Compliant
If you want to make sure you're not breaking any laws. Here are a few tips to keep you out of copyright hot water:
→ Respect the Copyright Owner: If you're going use someone else's creative work, get permission, or make sure it's available under a license (like Creative Commons). It's the fair and decent thing to do.
→ Fair Dealing: There's a thing called "fair dealing" that allows you to use copyrighted material for things like research, study, news reporting, and satire. But don't overdo it, and always give credit where it's due.
→ Public Domain: Some stuff is as free as a barbie in the park because it's in the public domain. No copyright applies. Just make sure you're sure before you use it.
→Licensing: Some creators are happy to share their work under specific conditions. Make sure to follow the terms of the license, whether it's for personal or commercial use.
→ Always Credit: Whether you're sharing a photo, graphic or video, giving credit to the creator is not just polite; it's often required.
→ Don't Rely on the Internet's "Free" Stuff: Just because it's on the internet doesn't mean it's free to use. Be cautious and check the rights.
→ Seek Legal Advice: When in doubt, contact a legal expert who knows the ropes.
OR CREATE YOUR OWN CONTENT!
This is the only and best way to ensure the content you are sharing is yours to use without license or agreement.
Copyright law isn't as complicated as rocket science, but it's worth taking seriously. It's about respecting each other's creative efforts and making sure we all get a fair go.
Stay creative and stay respectful.
