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8 options to avoid copyright related website issues that ruin Xmas
In a digital world - where we don't stop to think - it is increasingly simple to accidently use pictures and words on your business web site and other brand assets that are the copyright of some other person.
A good mate, who works for a small company - with plenty of integrity and respect in our local area - recently found out to their cost, that one of photographs on their internet site wasn't theirs to use.
Had they known, they'd have instantly corrected the situation. Sadly for them, the first they knew of it is a bill for ?1000. They'd no option but to pay, 2 weeks before Christmas.
Intellectual property can work for you and against you. One the one hand you can turn your knowledge and creativity into your assets. On the other hand if you mess-up it will cost.
Here are 1 or 2 pointers that may help you work with, and not against copyright law.
Get legal advice
I am no lawyer and managing your use of intellectual property is your responsibility. Begin with some professional direction. Find out where you stand and do your research.
Only use your own photographs and text in all your marketing both online and offline.
Obviously mark your original works as copyright . Especially text and photographs that'll be used across your brand properties like internet sites, mobile websites, apps, leaflets and graphic links and releases.
Protect killer new text that you would like to use widely to push your brand copyright it. Particularly words that describe key Problems and solutions you provide.
If you paid for a high quality copywriter to help you, make certain you own the rights to the words. Mark these valuable assets as copyright.
Ensure you're clean! Use online tools like Copyscape dot com and Tineye dot com. Double check that the words and pictures you rely on to promote your business are yours to use. Ensure they will not end up costing you dear.
Make sure that your intellectual property is safe. Use online tools like Copyscape dot com and Tineye dot com to be sure that your brand assets have not been misused somewhere else.
If someone is stealing from you go back to step one. Get legal help. If you do do something to protect what is yours ensure that you are fair and consistent in your approach.
A good mate, who works for a small company - with plenty of integrity and respect in our local area - recently found out to their cost, that one of photographs on their internet site wasn't theirs to use.
Had they known, they'd have instantly corrected the situation. Sadly for them, the first they knew of it is a bill for ?1000. They'd no option but to pay, 2 weeks before Christmas.
Intellectual property can work for you and against you. One the one hand you can turn your knowledge and creativity into your assets. On the other hand if you mess-up it will cost.
Here are 1 or 2 pointers that may help you work with, and not against copyright law.
Get legal advice
I am no lawyer and managing your use of intellectual property is your responsibility. Begin with some professional direction. Find out where you stand and do your research.
Only use your own photographs and text in all your marketing both online and offline.
Obviously mark your original works as copyright . Especially text and photographs that'll be used across your brand properties like internet sites, mobile websites, apps, leaflets and graphic links and releases.
Protect killer new text that you would like to use widely to push your brand copyright it. Particularly words that describe key Problems and solutions you provide.
If you paid for a high quality copywriter to help you, make certain you own the rights to the words. Mark these valuable assets as copyright.
Ensure you're clean! Use online tools like Copyscape dot com and Tineye dot com. Double check that the words and pictures you rely on to promote your business are yours to use. Ensure they will not end up costing you dear.
Make sure that your intellectual property is safe. Use online tools like Copyscape dot com and Tineye dot com to be sure that your brand assets have not been misused somewhere else.
If someone is stealing from you go back to step one. Get legal help. If you do do something to protect what is yours ensure that you are fair and consistent in your approach.
About the Author:
By Stephane Kolinsky owner of Springboard Outsourcing. Concentrating on online marketingand operating out of Plymouth in the UK, Stephane is passionate about supporting business owners by making sure theat our website development in Plymouth, Devon is done the right way!