[SMK] Social Media Knowledge

DIGITAL MARKETING NEWS

Copyright in a social world

It’s surprising how often people think it’s OK to use content on their website or social media pages that they find online.

It's not!

Copyright almost always subsists in what you see online, and using that content without permission can get you into trouble.

The Cool Hunter

The Cool Hunter is an online business dedicated to showcasing design and culture and uses stunning imagery on its website and social media pages.

In 2012 it had 788,000 Facebook fans, with the community generating significant traffic to its website. Then Facebook shut its page down for alleged copyright infringement.

Under Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities, users must not post content that infringes someone else's rights.

While admitting using images despite not always knowing who owned them, the owner claimed breaching Facebook’s rules was unintentional. Facebook clearly demonstrated that intention is irrelevant.

The owner created a new Facebook page which currently has around 107,000 fans. A far cry from its heyday.

Vincent Khoury Tylor

Tylor, a US-based landscape photographer, found that three of his images were used on the Today show’s website without permission.

Tylor filed a Federal Court claim against Channel 9 seeking $8000 in licence fees. The matter was settled out of court.

Who’s going to know?

Copyright owners have ways of finding online uses of their work. For example, image libraries use web crawlers to find unauthorised uses of its images.

They may then demand licence fees (which could be retrospective). Failure to pay could lead to legal action, with damages sought in excess of the original licence fee.

What do I do?

Before using copyrighted material, make sure you have the right to do so.

After all, copyright owners are entitled to earn a living from their work. Just like the rest of us.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Kelly is the founder of KHQ Approved, a fixed fee commercial contract review service. Peace of mind from an experienced team for a reasonable price.
 

Learn with SMK through March

Start your SMK: Digital Excellence 30-day free trial today and unlock unlimited, on-demand access to hundreds of hours of digital masterclasses, training courses and hands-on tutorials.

Your risk-free trial offers the perfect opportunity to expand and upgrade your digital intellectual property.

Each month SMK releases 30 hours of new and updated social media and digital marketing educational course content, ensuring you never get left behind – be it on digital strategy, tactics or implementation.

Alongside this, SMK offers live help and support weekly within the SMK Working Group. It might be a quick fix or the root of a bigger problem; either way, a problem shared is a problem halved. On a day-to-day basis, SMK’s team gives you hands-on support and fresh ideas.

Not to mention a shoulder to cry on, occasionally.

March's Courses, Live Help & Support Options

Live Member Clinics every Monday & Tuesday from 1 pm – 2 pm AEST
  • Live help and support from SMK’s team of analysts.
  • Book in to request a personalised discussion for 15 or 30m via Zoom within the Facebook Working Group.
Weekly Technical Labs: Google Analytics 4 on Wednesdays from 1 pm – 2 pm AEST
  • Technical Labs explore the technological process and workflows related to key digital marketing activities.
SEO Made Easy Masterclass on Thursdays from 10 am – 12 pm AEST
  • Module One: 2024 Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
  • Module Two: Understanding Technical SEO, User Experience & Google Search Console
  • Module Three: On-Page SEO, Website Copywriting & Content Marketing
  • Module Four: Off-Page SEO, Local SEO & Google Business Profile Optimisation
Digital Marketing Evaluation Masterclass on Fridays from 11 am – 1 pm AEST
  • Module One: 2024 Ads Trends, Landscape and Opportunities
  • Module Two: Social Ad Reporting, Evaluation & Campaign Optimisation
  • Module Three: Advertising Strategy, Targeting & Campaign Planning
  • Module Four: Social Ad Creative, Copywriting & Campaign Testing

Leave a Comment