Am I allowed to quote third-party content on my website?
September 15, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Christiane Melzer
Dear lawyer specializing in internet and computer law,
I operate a website where I regularly report on various topics in the field of art and culture. In my articles, I often refer to external content such as texts, images, or videos that I quote from other sources on the internet. I make sure to correctly attribute the sources and not present the content as my own.
However, I am now concerned about whether I am allowed to quote external content on my website without risking legal consequences. I want to ensure that I do not violate copyright or make myself legally vulnerable in any way.
So, can I quote external content on my website without getting into trouble? Are there specific rules I need to follow? What potential legal risks could be associated with this and how can I protect myself from them?
I would greatly appreciate your assessment and any suggestions for solutions to continue operating my website in a legally compliant manner.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Marie Altmayer
Dear Mrs. Altmayer,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of third-party content on your website in the field of art and culture. I am pleased that you are considering the legal aspects and want to secure yourself to avoid problems.
In general, it is allowed to quote third-party content as long as this is done within the framework of citation rights. The right to quote allows for the use of short excerpts from texts, images, or videos to support a discussion or reporting, for example. It is important that the source is correctly cited and the quote is in a context that clarifies your own opinion or position.
To ensure that you do not encounter any legal problems, it is advisable to follow the following rules:
1. Source citation: Always correctly indicate the source of the quoted content. This means, name the author of the work and link to the original source if necessary.
2. Scope of the quote: Stick to the limits of citation rights, meaning, use only as much of the third-party content as necessary to clarify your own contribution.
3. Obtain permission: If you are unsure whether you are allowed to quote a specific content, you can try to obtain permission from the author. This is especially advisable when dealing with protected works.
In terms of potential legal risks, it is important to know that copyright infringements can have serious consequences. If you use third-party content without permission or exceed the right to quote, you risk receiving warnings or even damage claims from the author. Therefore, it is important to adhere to the rules and, in case of doubt, refrain from quoting or look for alternatives.
I hope that my assessment helps you and that you can continue to operate your website in a legally secure manner. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am at your disposal.
Sincerely,
Christiane Melzer
Attorney specialized in Internet and Computer Law
