In today’s digital age where material on the internet is readily available, it’s important to ensure that we are not infringing on other people’s copyright when using material that we find online. Blake must be aware of the rules around copyright and know the appropriate steps to take to avoid potential copyright infringement.
Step 1: Determine if the Material is Openly Available
The first step Blake should take when looking for material online is to determine if the material is openly available. Oftentimes, website owners or authors will make their material openly available for anyone to use. This should be noted by a license agreement or other form of copyright notice.
Step 2: Ask for Permission
If the material is not openly available, Blake should contact the owner of the material and ask for permission to use it. The owner may be willing to grant permission if they believe that Blake is not infringing on their copyright. This is a subtle but important distinction, as a direct infringement would result in legal action.
Step 3: Read the Copyright Notice
If permission is granted, it is still important for Blake to read the copyright notice carefully before using the material. The notice should include specific information about how the material can and cannot be used. This information may include details about how the material can be modified, distributed or shared.
Step 4: Credit the Author
In most cases, it is important to give credit to the author or owner of the material. This can include a mention in the credits of a video or blog post, or a link directly to the original source. Doing this will ensure that Blake is giving proper credit to the original creator of the material.
Conclusion
By taking the proper steps to avoid copyright infringement when using material online, Blake will be able to use the material without worry of potential legal repercussions. The steps outlined above will ensure that Blake is taking the necessary precautions to protect himself and the original creator of the material.