How to Avoid Copyright Issues When Running a Business
You will go through several obstacles when running a business. One of them is issue with copyright. Remember that even if you think you have unique ideas, they don’t always seem that way. Someone else could have already thought of them, and you can be accused of stealing the ideas. If you get into legal trouble due to copyright infringement issues, it could affect your company’s reputation. You don’t want it to happen. Here are some tips to avoid these problems.
Consider what other people already trademarked
Asking to trademark a product, name, service, or inventions can be a lengthy process. However, many people are willing to go through it so they can sue anyone who copies what they did. The good thing is that it’s easy to check if something is already trademarked. You can avoid this problem if you check everything first. It’s available online and you can’t be lazy enough not to do due diligence.
Always come up with something new or unique
Try your best not to copy what someone else has already done. It can be challenging at times since you don’t know when you’ve already crossed the line. Therefore, it helps to always think of something new. You won’t run the risk of copyright infringement if you know that what you did can’t be found anywhere. However, if you’re aware that a similar product or service already exists, you should tweak it. You can’t make money out of something other people thought about. If there’s a unique feature to what you’ve done, it might avoid legal issues.
Trademark what you did right away
If you believe your ideas are new, try to trademark them immediately. You don’t want someone else to do it before you. Otherwise, you won’t have the chance at making money out of these concepts. Again, it’s a long process, but you should go through it.
Obtain permission
If you want to use someone else’s pictures, videos, and other media for commercial purposes, ask for permission. The owner might allow you to use them. Make sure there’s a written agreement you can use as evidence that you were permitted to do it. It’s also a sign of being polite since you’re trying to make money off of someone’s work.
Buy the rights
If you believe the rights to the media you intend to use are available for sale, try to buy it. Compute the cost and the potential income from it. If it’s a cost-effective endeavor, give it a shot. The owner will surrender everything to you. It’s your choice how you wish to use what you bought since you already have the rights. No one will sue you for profiting from it. Again, it helps if everything is clear and there’s a written agreement.
Copyright infringement legal battles can go on forever. It can also be costly. Major brands can afford to do it, but you can’t. You can’t even settle. Your business isn’t wealthy enough to do it. Being careful helps a lot.
Photo Attribution:
1st and featured image from https://unsplash.com/photos/9XfSFjcwGh0
2nd image from https://www.brandcrowd.com/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-logo-trademark/
