Copyright Basics for Your Business
Copyright.
We hear this term a lot, but don’t confuse it with copywriting—the art of crafting persuasive words. While writing compelling copy is important, knowing how to protect your written content legally is even more crucial.
In today’s digital world, where your content is easily accessible online, it’s tough to ensure that others aren’t using or profiting from your hard work. Slapping a “© Copyright 2024” on your website might feel like enough, but in reality, it doesn’t hold much weight in the courtroom.
So how can you truly protect your content?
Imagine this scenario: You create an amazing free opt-in, “30 Days to Achieve XYZ in Your Body/Biz/Life.” It’s packed with value, includes a handy 30-day checklist, and starts converting leads like an ice cream truck on a hot August afternoon.
Then, six months later, you get an email: “Hey, I just found this opt-in called ‘1 Month to X,’ and it’s exactly the same as yours!” (Yes, this actually happened to a friend of mine—colors unchanged and all!)
Ugh. The worst, right?
Sadly, the vast world of the internet is full of people copying others’ work, whether intentionally or not. In my friend’s case, the person who stole the content had no idea—her web designer had copied the opt-in from several sources without permission! Crazy, right?
But here’s the thing: Even if you don’t realize someone else has done the copying, you can still be held responsible for copyright infringement. That’s why it’s vital to have contracts with your VAs, web designers, and other team members stating that all content provided to you complies with copyright laws.
What Can You Do When Someone Steals Your Content?
Enter copyright law. Here’s a key thing to know: Copyright protection is automatic the moment you create an original work. But that leads to an important question: Is what you’ve created truly original?
You can’t copyright ideas—but if someone copies your exact blog post, website text, or online course almost word-for-word, you may have a legitimate copyright claim.
How Do You Handle Copyright Infringement?
It depends—like most things in the legal world. Who’s using your content? How are they using it? Where is it being used?
The first step is often a simple email to the offender. In the case of my friend, the person had no idea her content was stolen and was horrified when she found out. She took action and dealt with her web designer accordingly.
If a friendly email doesn’t work, the next step is usually a Cease and Desist letter. This often grabs attention. If they still don’t respond, you can take it further by contacting the platform or web host where the content is being shared.
Platforms like YouTube, Pinterest, and others are bound by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), which requires them to remove content if notified of an infringement. This “notice and takedown” system is one of the ways copyright holders can protect their content online.
Why Register Your Copyright?
While copyright protection is automatic, registering your work with the U.S. Copyright Office at copyright.gov strengthens your legal position. Registration allows you to:
Sue for damages in court
Seek statutory damages and attorney fees (without registration, you’re only entitled to actual damages)
Publicly document your ownership, which can deter would-be infringers.
The Bottom Line
When your content is stolen, you do have options. From reaching out directly to the offender, to using legal tools like DMCA takedown notices, and in serious cases, pursuing a copyright lawsuit—you have ways to protect your hard work. Registering your copyright is a powerful way to ensure you’re ready to take action if needed.
