Dos and Don'ts
Copyright Dos
- Do use material in the Public Domain.
- Do quote something you find interesting.
- Do use facts and ideas.
- Do use materials that are not subject to copyright.
- Do use a company name or logo if you are discussing it.
Copyright Don'ts
- Don't assume that giving credit will avoid copyright infringement.
- Don't copy material without copyright information.
- Don't consider all Creative Commons materials free and unrestricted.
- Don't copy material just because it is for non-commercial use.
- Don't assume that removing the copyright material puts you in the free and clear.
- Don't copy material just because you can't find the copyright holder.
Copyright Violations
Common Pitfalls When Developing a Website
Images
- creating images that modify another's work
- taking images from another without permission
- using licensed images from the internet that violate the terms of use
- using free images from the internet that have been stolen by others
- using clip-art provided by software in a way that violates the license agreement
Text
- taking another's text without permission
- assuming work is in the Public Domain without confirmation
HTML and CSS Source Code
- taking or modifying another's source code without permission
- modifying and/or releasing another's code under a new copyright license
Applets and Scripts
- taking or modifying another's script or programming without permission
Domain Names
- accidentally taking a domain name that has been trademarked by another
- intentionally taking a famous domain name, which is called "cybersquatting"
Trademark
- taking a word, image, or slogan that has been trademarked by another
Linking and Framing
- using an image linked to another website without permission
- presenting another website's link as your own
- embedding copyright content from another website in a frame
- commenting negatively about another website's link, which is libel
