How can I ensure that my website does not contain any copyright violations?
June 10, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Verena Friedendahl
Dear copyright lawyer,
I have been running a website for some time now where I regularly publish my own texts and images. However, recently I have heard that there are many legal pitfalls in the area of copyright, and I want to make sure that my website does not contain any copyright infringements.
Currently, I am not sure if all the images I use on my website were actually created by myself or if I may have unknowingly used images that are copyrighted. I also occasionally use quotes or text passages from other sources, and I wonder if this is legally permissible or if I am also at risk of copyright infringement here.
My biggest concern is that I may be issued a warning or legal action may be taken against me for violating copyright laws. Therefore, I would like to know how I can ensure that my website is free from copyright infringements and how I can protect myself from potential legal consequences.
Can you provide me with specific tips on how to check if my content is copyrighted? Are there any measures I can take to ensure that I do not use others' works without permission? And what should I do if I discover that I have indeed violated copyright laws?
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Sincerely,
Simon Sauer
Dear Mr. Sauer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding possible copyright infringements on your website. It is understandable that you are concerned and want to ensure that you are not using others' works without permission. Copyright violations can have serious legal consequences, so it is important to address this issue.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that copyright is automatically created as soon as a work is fixed in any form. This means that both your own texts and images, as well as others' works, are automatically protected. Therefore, if you are using images or text passages that were not created by you, you should ensure that you have the necessary rights to use these works.
To ensure that your website is free from copyright infringements, I recommend taking the following measures:
1. Review all images and text passages on your website and make sure that you either own the rights to use these works, or that they have been published under a Creative Commons license or similar.
2. Avoid downloading and using images or text passages from the internet without clarifying the necessary rights. Instead, use licensed image and text databases or create your own works.
3. If you use quotes or text passages from other sources, make sure to properly attribute the source and, if necessary, obtain permission to use them.
If you discover that you have actually violated copyright, it is advisable to take immediate action. Remove the relevant material from your website and, if necessary, contact the copyright owner to find a solution.
It may also be helpful to seek legal advice to ensure that you are taking all necessary steps to avoid copyright infringements. As a copyright lawyer, I am available to clarify your specific questions and help you legally protect your website.
I hope these tips will help you and that you can operate your website without fear of copyright infringements. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Verena Friedendahl
