What Can Be Done to Prevent Copyright Violations?
7 Steps to Prevent Copyright Violations
There are 7 steps you can take to protect your copyrighted works and prevent copyright violations:
1. Embed the Copyright Symbol
When possible, embed the copyright symbol into your work. Although this isn’t legally necessary to protect the work, it will discourage people from reusing your work by letting them know you have registered for a copyright.
2. Embed your Company Trademark
If the copyrighted material belongs to your company, embed the company trademark into the work. This may be as simple as adding a disclaimer at the beginning or end of the work.
3. Register your Work
Register for a copyright; don’t just put a copyright symbol on your work. Having written proof in the form of a certificate is all you’ll need to make a copyright violator “cease and desist” using your work if and when it happens.
4. Scan for Violations
If your work can be reproduced and distributed on the Internet, occasionally scan for parts of the work to see if your work is being used without your consent. If you find infringements, send a Cease and Desist letter to the perpetrator.
5. Join an Organization
Organizations exist where groups of copyright owners work together to protect their interests. Groups exist for music recordings, broadcasts, and films, among others.
6. Protect your Work with Technology
When possible, as in the case of software CDs and movie DVDs, use existing technology to protect your work from being copied by those who purchase it. Make it impossible for people to make duplicates of your work by employing available safeguards.
7. Stay up to Date on Copyright Law
Although the laws don’t change often regarding copyrights, there may be things you don’t know. For instance, if an employee creates a unique work while working for you, the copyright will belong to your company. This is not the case if a contractor creates the work. Know your rights and learn about the law. Copyright law means different things to different people, too; learn how the law affects you and your business or product.
This post is part of the series: How to Prevent and Avoid Copyright Violations
Learn how to protect your own work from copyright violations as well as how to avoid infringing on others’ copyrights.
