How Copyright Works with Social Media Elaine Munn

What is copyright? Copyright law originated in the United Kingdom from the Statute of Anne 1709. It became statutory with the passing of the Copyright Act 1911. The current act is the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.

What is protected by copyright? Copyright protects original Books Theatre Musical Artistic works Published editions of works sound recordings, films and broadcasts.

Are names protected by copyright? No. There is no copyright in a name, title, slogan or phrase. But these may be eligible for registration as a trade mark. Are ideas protected by copyright? No. Although the work itself may be protected, the idea behind it is not.

How Copyright Works with Social Media Copyright is a little more difficult with the advent of the internet.  Bloggers must be aware of what they write, to avoid copyright, trademark, and libel issues. Before you use an image from the internet you need to be sure to get a license or find public domain images. The social media site does not own the work that has been posted on their site; the copyright is still retained by the owner. Agreeing to post works on the site, you sign an agreement that gives the site a license to use the work.

Protecting Your Own Content on Social Media The best way to protect your intellectual property from being stolen on social media is to not put it up there in the first place. You own the content you place on social media sites, you have granted a license to the media site to use the content and for others to view it. To protect content, include a copyright statement on the file for photos. Your property might get stolen by someone (not associated with the social media site). Keep track of possible violations and be quick to file complaints.

Recognising copyright and when it no longer applies Copyright is indicated by © followed by the author’s name Sound recordings lose copyright approximately after 50 years All other materials lose copyright approximately after 70 years

Gain Permission Before you can legally sell, publish or distribute someone else’s copyright work, you must obtain the permission of the copyright owner. This rule applies even if you are only using extracts or samples from the work.

For more information about copyright http://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/ Copyright & Social Media https://www.thebalancesmb.com/copyrights-and-social-media-issues-397821