Important Information regarding Brierley Hill Primary School Logo
Will I get into trouble copying stuff from the Internet?
Before you start using photos you found on Google images, or that paragraph on a web page which would sound great on your website, or company logos - check out the rights and wrongs with ‘borrowing’ other people’s words and images. You don’t need to be a whiz at copyright law, but understanding the basics could save you a whole heap of trouble.
The copyright facts
The golden rule of copyright is that pretty much everything you find on the Internet is probably copyrighted.
“But there’s no copyright symbol attached.” There doesn’t need to be.
Copyright protects books, paintings, photographs, drawings, logos, films, music and many other creative mediums. Even if it doesn’t say it does.
Copyright free means just what it says – you can use the material to your hearts content (unless you’ve got a written agreement saying otherwise).
Royalty free means you just pay a one off fee to use the image according to set terms.
What is considered copyright infringement?
As a general matter, copyright infringement occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner.
You could end up in trouble, out of pocket after paying hefty fines, or defending yourself in court – and if it doesn’t go in your favour, it could ruin your reputation and/or business. No one wants to be known as a copycat.
So, please think before you copy - right?!