How can I protect myself from warnings due to copyright infringement?
March 20, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Johann Kock
Dear media law attorney,
My name is Quentin Schlüter and I have been running my own blog for some time now, where I regularly publish articles. Lately, I have heard more and more about other bloggers receiving cease and desist letters for copyright infringements. This naturally worries me, as I am not sure how to protect myself from this.
I do make sure to only use images and texts that are either in the public domain or for which I have acquired the necessary usage rights. However, I have heard that even with careful research and respect for copyright laws, cease and desist letters can still be issued. This uncertainty is unsettling for me, and I would like to know what specific measures I can take to protect myself from a cease and desist letter.
Are there specific guidelines I should follow to ensure that I do not commit copyright infringements? For example, should I always cite the source when using external content? Or are there specific platforms where I can find royalty-free images and texts?
I definitely want to avoid getting into legal trouble, as my blog is very important to me and I want to continue running it. Therefore, I hope that you can provide me with some specific tips on how to effectively protect myself from cease and desist letters for copyright infringements.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Quentin Schlüter
Dear Mr. Schlüter,
Thank you for your inquiry and your trust in my expertise as a media law attorney. It is understandable that you are concerned about the notices that other bloggers have recently received. Copyright infringement is a serious issue that should not be underestimated, as it can have legal consequences.
Firstly, it is commendable that you are already being careful to only use images and texts for which you have acquired the appropriate usage rights or that are in the public domain. However, it is important to understand that even with careful research and compliance with copyright laws, you may still be at risk of receiving notices, as the legal situation in this area is complex.
To effectively protect yourself from copyright infringement claims, there are some specific measures you can take. Firstly, always remember to provide the source when using external content. This not only promotes transparency but also protects the copyright. Make sure to correctly attribute the sources and, if necessary, ask for permission to use them.
Furthermore, I recommend using specialized platforms where you can find royalty-free images and texts. There are various providers that offer free or paid content that you can safely use for your blog. By using royalty-free content, you significantly reduce the risk of copyright infringement.
It is also advisable to regularly review your own content and ensure that you are not using protected works of others. Adhere to the applicable copyright regulations and stay informed about current developments in this area to stay up to date.
I hope these tips help you effectively protect yourself from copyright infringement claims and continue to successfully operate your blog. If you have any further questions or need legal assistance, I am happy to help.
Sincerely,
Johann Kock
Media Law Attorney
