Copyright laws
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TITLE: Trying to Figure Out the Copyright Laws
AUTHOR: Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, The EQ Coach
WORD COUNT: 356
WRAP: 65
URL: http://www.webstrategies.cc
Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc
“Trying to Figure Out the Copyright Laws?”
by Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, Personal Life Coach
Q: When do you have to quote someone else and give them credit for something they said? I’ve heard you can change every 3rd word. How do I protect my own writing? I’ve heard once you write it, it’s copyrighted.
A: Coaches cannot give legal advice, which is good, because this really isn’t a “legal” question.
I think it’s a matter of, well, EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE – how you conduct your life when only answerable to yourself, the most important person, and how you respect others.
If someone else said it, why wouldn’t you give them credit? Laws are enacted when people fail to do what’s right – watch what’s going to come up shortly with cell phones.
So, do what’s right. If you’re quoting someone else, QUOTE THEM.
If it’s a compilation, and in your own words, with something you’d added to it, then it’s yours – reworked.
Q: How do you know the difference?
A: You know the difference … intuitively. Just do it. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and attribute. It’s the right thing to do. In the US, anyone can sue anyone over anything. The was designed to protect people’s property – intellectual and otherwise. Therefore, follow the spirit of the law. Give credit where credit due. Don’t steal other people’s property.
Know what’s yours and what isn’t, respect other people’s property, and then you can sleep at night.
If you can be dishonest and still sleep at night, get some emotional intelligence coaching because you’ve lost the rudder for your life and are heading for the abyss.
If you “can’t tell,” work with an emotional intelligence coach on developing your intuition, getting in touch with your inner self.
Q: How can I avoid being sued?
A: Generally speaking, it’s akin to common-law marriages. If you use it, and continue to use it publicly, it’s yours. If someone else is doing that, and has established it as “theirs,” don’t use it. You can also quite painlessly get a trademark or copyright.
However, nothing – including registering either copyright or trademark – will keep you from being sued in this society. So find another touchstone!
©Susan Dunn, MA Clinical Psychology, the Marketing Coach, http://www.webstrategies.cc. I
help coaches market on the Internet and grow a full practice. Full-service, mentoring.
Mailto:sdunn@susandunn.cc for free ezine. Put “Checklist: Short, Sweet Marketing Tips” for
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