Myths of Copyright Infringement

Source: iCLIPART.com

"If it doesn't have a copyright notice, it's not copyrighted."

You should always assume that other people's works are copyrighted and may not be copied unless you know otherwise. Copyright will apply whether there is a copyright notice or not. Whether it is literary, musical or artistic there are penalties for copyright infringement.

"If I don't charge for it, it's not a violation."

False. It's still a violation if you give it away and there can still be damages awarded if you hurt the commercial value of the property. Except in specific circumstances permitted under fair dealing/fair use rules, any copying or publication without the consent of the copyright owner is an infringement, and you could face legal action.

"Crediting the content creator protects you from liability."

Source: iCLIPART.com

It's up to the owner to decide if they want the free promotion or not.

Similarly, how often have you seen this disclaimer?  “I do not own this content. All rights belong to the original creators respectively. No copyright intended.”

This is a great example of how many people misunderstand copyright law.


"If it's posted on-line, it's in the public domain."

False. Nothing modern and creative is in the public domain unless the owner explicitly puts it in the public domain.

"It’s hard to prove copyright infringement."

This is not the case, copyright law is principally civil not criminal law. Civil law requires a lower burden of proof, actually making it easier to prove infringement.

"Content on social media is in the public domain."

Unless you’ve been given permission by the original creator, it is very likely you are infringing on someone else’s copyright.

"“I've removed the copyrighted material” protects you from any consequences."

Simply removing their content cannot absolve you of liability for infringing on someone’s copyright.

Source: iCLIPART.com

   
What can you do to protect yourself?
Use stock content from sites like iPHOTOS.com, iCLIPART.com, AnimationFactory.com and Clipart.com or get explicit permission from the creator and don’t assume images online are fair use.

Free Social Media Content Calendar - February 2020

Stop scrambling for social media content. Vital Imagery is dedicated to making your content marketing the best it can be. Each month we will be preparing a social media content calendar to help with your social media posts and marketing. You will have access to a calendar filled with special dates, holidays, #hashtags and links to images that would be great to use on all your social media platforms.

February has 29 days this year, so get planning!!

February is all about Love and Family. Check out this basket of images to help with your social media content for February.


Follow these #hashtags for images to use during the month of February:

#valentinesday
#cherrymonth
#libraryloversmonth
#birdfeedingmonth
#vegancuisinemonth
#serpentday
#icecreamforbreakfast
#groundhogday
#goldenretrieverday
#worldcancerday
#chocolatefondueday
#frozenyogurtday
#operaday
#kiteflyingday
#worldwhaleday
#hippoday
#radioday
#getoutyourguitarday 
#umbrelladay
#nationalbagelday
#presidentsday
#familyday
#nationalmargaritaday 
#leapyear
#mardigras
#toothfairyday

To help get you started download this image for free: Groundhog Day

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Source: iCLIPART.com