Is a DMCA takedown notice always the way to go? One of the most common questions I'm asked has to do with what to do when someone takes content, whether written, images, audio or video. Copyright infringement in the online, digital, and mobile spaces is getting easier and more prolific by the day. As new [...]
We've all heard the phrase "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything." When it comes to social media and online content, though, its seems the phrase is actually "If you can't say something nice, blog, tweet, facebook, or post it online." While I shouldn't be, I am surprised at what people post online. [...]
Pinterest Copyright and How To Avoid Problems You either know what Pinterest is or you don't. For those who do, just skip this next section. For the uninitiated, let's bring you up to speed. Pinterest in the online equivalent of all those torn out magazine photos, articles and recipes you've got taped on your [...]
Every week I get a few emails from bloggers or online professionals asking me questions about taxes. Most of them are the same questions again and again. Because I can't answer fact-specific questions individually without potentially creating an attorney/client relationship, I tend to give the same general answers. First and foremost, seek counsel from [...]
Just because it's on the internet doesn't mean it's fair to use. You’ve heard the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, but when that picture is protected by copyright, the picture is only worth three words: cease and desist. OK, that’s kind of a lawyer joke. But it illustrates how protective people are [...]
Tommroch - Fotolia.com On a weekly basis I find misdirected emails in my inbox. With a name as common as Sara, it's been happening to me for years. And now with blogging, there are so many with the same name it's easy to end up with an email not intended for you. Have you [...]
In some ways I feel like a therapist. I get emails with details on how a blogger or small brand is being taunted and tormented by others online. I completely feel for them because I have my own trolls and 'mean girls'. I always thought that grown ups would be different. I figured that I'm [...]
Frequently I am contacted by someone whose online work is being used without their permission. Whether it is an idea, a design concept, something from Twitter, a hot deal, a complete post, photos, graphics, it seems like there is a lot of taking going on. In addition, as many are trying to grow their online [...]
Remember when you were a kid and your mom or dad told you "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."? And then you rolled your eyes (with your head turned so they couldn't see you) and under your breath called your brother a jerk? OK, maybe it was just me. But, [...]
This week, on May 11, 2011, Facebook made some sweeping changes to their promotional guidelines. The Facebook promotion guidelines are much shorter, but still pack a punch. As such, I wanted to highlight the changes. To see the prior iteration of the guideline, check out my Blog Law post about the prior Facebook promotion guidelines. [...]