I think it's in high school when most of us had the concept of plagiarism shoved down our throat. It was all part of the lessons about citations and the MLA format or the Chicago Style Manual or whatever it was your teacher used to put the fear of getting an F in you. And, [...]
It's not uncommon to find a news article that misuses copyright and trademark, as if they are interchangeable. Sometimes, even lawyers misunderstand their differences. But you don't have to make their same mistakes. I'm here to help explain the difference between copyright and trademark and why knowing the differences is important for you as a [...]
In response to questions and uncertainty about using Pinterest to run giveaways, Pinterest has issued an update to its Pinterest for Business Brand Guidelines and Acceptable Use Policy. While the Brand Guidelines are specifically for business users, the Acceptable Use policies apply to all platform users. Together, these new Pinterest giveaway rules should help guide [...]
OK, that was a lame attempt at humor. And what exactly does that mean anyway? You're thinking, "Obviously this woman had too much candy last night!". Seriously, though, I was asked to write for the online magazine 12 Most. All their posts offer information in groups of 12. So, while 3 is the magic number, [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]