How can I protect myself from warnings due to copyright infringements?
April 8, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Otto Ullmann
Dear Internet and Computer Law Attorney,
I am reaching out to you because I have recently been increasingly confronted with the issue of copyright infringement and am very concerned about receiving a warning letter. I run a small online shop where I sell handmade products. To showcase my products in the best possible way, I often use images and texts from the internet. Now I have heard that this could potentially lead to copyright infringement and that I could be warned for it.
Currently, I am unsure about how best to protect myself from such warnings. I do not want to break any laws, but at the same time, I do not want to refrain from using images and texts that present my products in an appealing way.
My concern is that in the event of a warning, I may have to bear high costs and my online shop may face financial difficulties. Therefore, I am wondering what measures I can take to protect myself from warnings regarding copyright infringement. Are there specific rules or best practices that I should follow? Are there perhaps also ways that can help me to respect the copyrights of others without completely refraining from using images and texts?
I would be very grateful for your support and assistance in this matter.
Sincerely,
Theodor Vollmann
Dear Mr. Vollmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding copyright infringements and cease and desist letters related to your online shop. It is understandable that you are concerned, as copyright law is a complex issue and it is important to comply with legal regulations to avoid legal consequences.
First and foremost, it is important to understand that copyright protects the right of the author to control and use their works. This means that you cannot simply use images and texts from the internet without owning the appropriate rights. This could lead to copyright infringements and result in you being issued a cease and desist letter.
To protect yourself from cease and desist letters, there are some measures you can take. Firstly, you should ensure that you only use images and texts for which you have the appropriate usage rights. This can be done either by acquiring licenses or by using royalty-free or public domain works. There are also specialized image agencies that offer images for commercial purposes, where you can be sure to acquire the necessary rights.
Furthermore, always make sure to credit the sources of the images and texts to respect the copyright. If you are unsure whether you are allowed to use a specific work, I recommend seeking advice from a copyright lawyer.
It is also advisable to regularly check your website and ensure that no unauthorized content is being used. If you still receive a cease and desist letter, it is important to react promptly and seek professional legal assistance.
I hope this information helps you and that you will be better able to avoid copyright infringements in the future. If you have any further questions or need legal support, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Otto Ullmann, Attorney specializing in Internet and Computer Law
