What is copyright? How to legally use content on your website?

There is so much information on the internet. But have you wondered if you can use it all? Have you observed websites using images or content that don’t belong to them? Using unlicensed images, text, or other protected content without permission isn’t just a minor mistake. It is a serious legal issue.

Understanding copyright is not just about understanding the legalities. It is about how you can make your site authentic, credible, and trustworthy. In this blog, we will explain what copyright is and why it matters for your website. Learn about how you can use content legally to protect your site and your business.

What is copyright?

Copyright is a law that protects original work created by someone. If you write an article, take a photo, create software, or make a movie, you automatically own the copyright to the work. You will have the right to decide how people can use, share, or copy your work. If someone needs to use your work, they need to have your permission or a license to do so.

Copyright can apply to various types and forms of content. It ensures that nobody can replicate the work you have created.

• Text: This includes articles, website content like blogs, research papers, product page information, and more.

• Images and photos: Photos captured or images designed and created can be protected by copyright.

• Videos: Video content and movies, including animation, are covered under copyright.

• Music: Music of any form - be it brand tones, background music, podcasts, and more—can be protected by copyright.

• Software: Both code and the application of software are protected with copyright.

• Website codes: All the HTML, CSS, and other codes have copyright on them.

How does copyright work?

There is no application to receive copyright. The minute you have original content, you have the copyright over it. This means that the creator or author of the work holds exclusive rights to it from the moment it is created, even if it hasn’t been officially registered with the copyright office. Here is how it operates:

Copyright gives the owners exclusive rights.

Copyright controls the distribution, modification, and reproduction of your creation. There are some exclusive rights for the content producers.

Reproduction rights (Copying the work): As the copyright owner, you have the exclusive right to reproduce or make copies of your work. This means no one else can legally make copies of your content (whether it’s writing, music, video, or images) without your permission.

• Distribution rights (Selling or sharing the work): You have the right to distribute your work to the public. This includes selling, sharing, or lending copies of your work to others. The right to distribute is key because it controls who has access to the work.

• Modification and adaptation: You can adapt, modify, or transform your work into something new. If others need to do this, they need to take your permission.

• Public performance rights: If the work is visual, the copyright holder has the exclusive right to display it publicly. This includes the right to show artwork, photographs, or sculptures to the public, whether in physical galleries or through digital means.

There is a tenure for copyright

The length of time copyright lasts depends on the type of work and whether it was created by an individual or a company. For most works, copyright protection lasts for the creator’s lifetime plus 70 years. After this period, the work enters the public domain, where anyone can use it without needing permission.

Copyright comes with some exceptions

While copyright grants exclusive rights, certain exceptions under fair use allow limited use of copyrighted work without permission.

Fair use is a flexible doctrine, and whether something qualifies as fair use depends on several factors:

• The purpose of use (commercial or non-profit)

• The nature of the work (factual or creative)

• The amount used (how much of the original work is used)

• The effect on the market (whether it impacts the market for the original work)

What happens when you violate copyright?

Copyright infringement happens when you use someone else's copyrighted work without permission. The consequences can be serious, ranging from legal action to monetary penalties.

• Civil lawsuits: Copyright holders can sue for actual damages (what they lost due to infringement) or statutory damages (up to $150,000 per work infringed).

• Injunctions: The courts across the world may order you to stop using the copyrighted work and even remove it from your website or content.

• Takedown notices: A couple of well-established social media platforms and search engines can remove your content from their platforms if a copyright holder files a takedown notice under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).

How do search engines handle copyright issues?

Search engines and social media platforms play an important role in maintaining the integrity of online content. They actively monitor websites for unauthorized use of copyrighted material and prevent copyright violations.

• Takedown notices: When a copyright holder notices that their work is being used without permission, they can submit a takedown notice to search engines, asking them to remove the infringing content from their platforms. The content will be removed from search results, affecting your website’s SEO and organic traffic. Repeated violations can lead to penalties or even permanent removal from search engines.

• Content identification technology: The search engines use technologies to automatically detect copyrighted material. These tools scan websites and uploaded content for matches with copyrighted works. It can also block the use of unlicensed content, helping copyright owners maintain control over their works.

• Penalties and manual reviews: Search engines also conduct manual reviews. If a website receives multiple DMCA takedown requests or is reported for using copyrighted material without permission, it can be subject to manual review and penalties.

How to legally use content on your website?

If you want to use someone else’s work, here are a few ways you can do it legally:

• Create your own content:

  The safest way to avoid copyright issues is to create your own content. Writing your own blogs, taking your own photos, and even making your own videos ensures that you own the rights to everything.

  This will give you a free hand to use, share, and license the content. Having your own content will help you avoid legal risks, and it will also add authenticity to your website.

• Use content from public domains:

  Public domain content is free for anyone to use because it is no longer protected by copyright laws. A couple of websites offer free content - images and videos that can be used for free and without any restrictions.

• Get permission from the owner:

  If you really want to use someone else’s work, you can ask for permission. This can either be free or paid, depending on the creator’s terms. However, you must get written consent, making it clear how the content can be used. This helps prevent misunderstandings later. Always ensure that the terms are clear, including any limitations on use, and ensure you document the permission for your records.

• Purchase a license:

  You can buy stock images, videos, and music from websites that sell stock images, footage, and more. You can also buy the license to use the software and other copyrighted content from the owners.

• Give credits if needed:

  When you use content or other works that require attribution, always make sure to credit the creator. This typically means providing the author’s name, the license type, and a link to the original work. Giving credit helps maintain the integrity of the creator’s work and avoids any legal issues that may arise from misuse.

Incorporating copyright compliance into your website is essential for building a legally safe and trustworthy digital presence. Following the tips shared in this blog will help you produce your own work and avoid any copyright issues.

At WEMASY, we can help guide you through the process of obtaining legal content and ensuring your website stays compliant with copyright laws. Keep reading our blogs to learn the best practices for your content.