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Are you certain that you’re not infringing on patented music, images, videos, and words on websites and social media? 

In the absence of a watermark, you might be guilty of copyright infringement online. This is the downloading, display, and sharing of copyrighted works online without permission.

 Some might say that the Internet is a public space, so anyone can use what’s found on it. But there are materials in the public domain for free use, and there are those with copyright that need approval before use.

In celebration of World Intellectual Property Day, let’s see how you can avoid online copyright infringement.

Understanding Digital Copyright

Every image, video, piece of music, and piece of written content online is someone’s original work. If the owner gets a copyright license for it, he has exclusive control over how to use it. 

And copyright law supports this because it protects invention and encourages innovation. Violating them can cause financial penalties, legal liabilities, and damage to reputation.

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Duration of Copyright Protection

Copyright protection has a duration, but it isn’t the same, and it varies across countries. However, many countries adapt theirs based on international agreements (Berne Convention). This agreement provides life protection for licensed works and 50 years after the creator’s death. Some countries exceed this duration and there are other rules besides this.

Still, there are acceptable exceptions to these laws, termed fair use exceptions. It allows the use of a certain trademarked material without permission for the good of humanity. This will include using them for comment, criticism, news reporting, research, and teaching.

Common Forms of Copyright Infringement

There are many ways people violate copyright protections in the digital space.

Unauthorized Use of Copyrighted Images or Videos

This is common. Just because images and videos are online doesn’t mean you are free to use them all. Many of them have a copyright license and are protected by copyright law. This gives the owner the sole right to decide how to use it.

You’ll notice them on platforms like Canva; they usually have watermarks. And only premium members can use these images and videos. 

Plagiarism in Written Content

Plagiarism has long been a burden, and technology is making it worse, thanks to copy and paste.

Every word in articles, social media posts, eBooks, and stories results from someone’s intellectual work. It took the writer time and effort to translate his thoughts into orderly words and sentences. Presenting these written words as yours is stealing unmerited credit and possibly income.

Distribution of Copyrighted Material Without Permission

This appears harmless; a quick share with a friend or a page can lead to online copyright infringement. With so much content online, it’s easy to do this.

We can liken this to you telling everyone about your neighbor’s secret soup recipe. But it’s not yours to share. In the same way, illicit distribution doesn’t give credence to the creator; it can affect his income.

How to Avoid Copyright Infringement Online

Let’s see the right way to use online resources.

Obtain Permission

Get approval from the copyright owner before using their work. You might have to pay a fee or meet other conditions.

Create your Content

Where possible, create your original image, videos, or written content. This is the best way to avoid online copyright infringement.

Use Royalty-Free Material

To prevent any violations, use copyright-free images, videos, and music. Many websites like Pexels offer free images and videos, and they differentiate between the branded ones, which are not free.

Use images and videos in the public domain if you want free resources.

Use Licensed Content

Free content is usually limited; that’s because the best stuff online is mostly premium. So, if you can’t find what you need in the public domain, consider purchasing licensed content. They are available in stock images, video websites, or music libraries.

Give Attribution to Sources

It’s inappropriate to use someone’s idea without giving them the rightful credit. Whenever you make use of copyrighted work, give proper attribution to the owner, as requested. This can include mentioning their name and the source of content, like a website or platform.

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Modify Content

All ideas are unique, but they are normally a step up from those of others. You can use the same logic with creative expression. Learn from it and change it using your ideas, and you will have significantly different material.

Check for Copyright Notices

While you can look out for watermarks on images, videos, or other materials, not all copyrights have watermarks. Check for other indicators, like copyright policies, to avoid any online violations.

Beware of Downloading

There are so several free online downloads, and free items are attractive. However, there are also many unauthorized sources, which can amount to a copyright violation when used. These include music, movies, software, and eBooks.

Understand AI-Generated Content

This is tricky because the use of AI for content generation is still in its early stages. Deep-fake or other AI-generated content raises copyright concerns because of its source. Have a look at the source material to determine its copyright status.

Consequences of Digital Copyright Infringement

There are implications for infringing on people’s intellectual property without their permission.

Legal Penalties

Copyright holders can stop the unauthorized use of their work by taking legal action. They can sue for financial damages, and this can be a hefty sum if the work is used for commercial purposes.

Financial Consequences

Being sued will cost you a legal fee and probably fines. Besides that, if you monetize the infringed content, you may lose the advertising income or be made to repay it.

Platform or Account Ban

Most websites, social media platforms, and search engines have policies to prevent infringement. If the owner reports a violation, they will remove the infringing content from the page. They can also suspend or close or ban the account if the offense persists.

This could limit some features, like commenting or posting, and other services, which can lead to lost opportunities.

Damage to Reputation and Credibility

If a popular brand or business is known to violate copyright, they can get called out and get backlash. This bad publicity can lead to a loss of credibility among their followers or clients.

Avoid Online Trouble

Copyright boosts creativity, increases the variety of content, and provides a fair online space for everyone. Respecting them ensures creators get value for their work, as you would want the same for yourself.

 Follow these tips to avoid online copyright infringement.

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