Can I link to third-party content on my website without obtaining permission from the copyright owner?
March 31, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Otto Ullmann
Dear lawyer specializing in internet and computer law,
I operate a website where I regularly write about various topics. Lately, I have been incorporating links to interesting articles and videos from other websites into my posts to provide my readers with additional information. Now I am concerned about the legal implications of linking to third-party content on my website without obtaining the permission of the copyright holder.
I am aware that copyright law provides important protection for intellectual property and I do not want to infringe on any copyrights. However, as a private individual, it is difficult for me to understand how I can obtain permission from each individual copyright holder before including a link on my website. Is there a way to legally link to third-party content without risking copyright infringement?
I want to continue to create my website with interesting and informative content without facing legal issues. Therefore, I would be grateful if you could provide me with possible solutions or recommendations on how I can ensure that my links are lawful. Perhaps there are certain guidelines or best practices that I should follow to stay on the safe side.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Sincerely,
Hanna Zollmann
Dear Mrs. Zollmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding linking to third-party content on your website. The issue of copyright in relation to linking is indeed complex, and it is important to be legally compliant in this area. I will therefore explain in detail the rules you should follow to avoid copyright infringement.
In general, linking to third-party content is legally permissible in most cases, as long as you follow certain rules. Linking itself does not constitute a copyright infringement, as you are simply referring to content that is already publicly accessible on other websites. However, you should ensure that the linked content is legal and does not infringe on the rights of third parties.
It is important that you do not use deep links, i.e. direct links to individual subpages or files, but rather link to the homepage or main page of the respective content. Additionally, you should clearly indicate the source of the linked content and not give the impression that the content is yours. A brief citation or description of the linked content can be helpful in this regard.
It is also advisable to make the linking clear to users, so they can easily recognize that they will be redirected to an external site. Therefore, you should label the link accordingly, e.g. with a note such as "Click here for the original article." This will prevent misunderstandings and clearly indicate that the content is from a third party.
If you are unsure whether you are allowed to link to a particular content, I recommend obtaining permission from the copyright holder. Often, a simple email request is sufficient to obtain the author's consent. This way, you can ensure that you are not infringing on the rights of third parties.
In conclusion, linking to third-party content is generally allowed as long as you follow the mentioned rules and do not violate the rights of third parties. By clearly indicating the linked content and, if necessary, obtaining permission from the copyright holder, you can ensure that your links are lawful.
I hope this information is helpful to you, and I am available to answer any further questions you may have. Thank you for your trust, and I wish you continued success with your website.
Sincerely,
Otto Ullmann, Attorney specializing in Internet and Computer Law
