Summary

The website content discusses the importance of understanding copyright law for writers, with a focus on the free availability of Harvard University's Copyright Law class on YouTube as a resource to avoid legal issues related to plagiarism and copyright infringement, particularly concerning the use of images from platforms like Unsplash.

Abstract

The article "The Boring, Yet Important, Subject of Copyright Law" emphasizes the significance of copyright knowledge for writers, especially in light of recent cases of plagiarism, stolen work, and copyright violations. It highlights the risk of using images that may appear to be free but are actually subject to licensing fees or legal disputes. To mitigate these risks, the article suggests taking advantage of Harvard Law School's free Copyright Law course on YouTube, taught by Professor William Fisher. This course, known as "Harvard Copyright X," covers essential topics, including fair use. The author, Deborah Camp, also shares personal insights, such as using her own photographs to avoid potential copyright pitfalls, and encourages readers to educate themselves through the Harvard course to prevent costly legal mistakes.

Opinions

The author acknowledges that copyright law can be dull but stresses its importance in protecting one's work and avoiding legal trouble.
There is a concern about the prevalence of copyright trolling, where individuals deliberately upload images with misleading licenses to trap users into infringement.
The author recommends using one's own photographs to avoid the risks associated with using images from platforms like Unsplash, which may contain unauthorized content.
The article suggests that writers should not only protect their own work from being plagiarized but also ensure they do not infringe on the copyrights of others.
The author endorses the Harvard Copyright Law class on YouTube as a valuable and accessible educational resource for writers to become more informed about copyright law and its implications.

LET’S GET EDUCATED

The Boring, Yet Important, Subject of Copyright Law

You can access Harvard University’s Copyright Law class for free on YouTube

Yes, I know it’s a snooze — that’s why this adorable kitty named Paulie Walnuts is here to help us all slog through it together.

Over the past months there have been several articles regarding plagiarism, stolen work, possible copyright violations, and a shocking piece by Susie Kearley about people being sued for using images on Creative Commons.

And, having to pay big bucks to the photographer or graphic artist.

Writers must not only be concerned about having their work plagiarized or downright stolen but we must also make sure we’re not violating other peoples’ work through the photos and images we use on Medium.

Have you ever asked yourself, who’s liable if you use a striking photo from Unsplash and it turns out to be a licensable piece that shouldn’t have been on Unsplash in the first place?

Would Medium be responsible? Probably not. Most likely, it’d be you.

To be sure, there are a ton of shenanigans going on with copyright and attribution issues.

In Susie Kearley’s piece, she chronicles some of the misbehavior going on in the wild — some of it in the form of copyright trolling by unscrupulous photographers. She writes below:

“Then there’s the issue of copyright trolling where people deliberately upload an image that isn’t covered by the CC licence terms. Or they impose licence conditions that they know are likely to be breached.

Then, when someone uses the unlicensed image, or breaches the terms of use, they issue a legal demand for payment due to copyright infringement.

For example, did you know that the Unsplash CC licence does not include the right to use: images of logos, artwork, or ‘People’s images if they are recognizable in the Photos’? Legal demands have been issued over this.”

Read her entire article for the rest.

https://readmedium.com/people-are-being-sued-for-using-creative-commons-images-adc5c8ba1491

Harvard Law School to the rescue

I discovered a great resource in this month’s issue of Writer’s Digest.

A piece by Michael La Ronn (“How Law School Made Me a More Business Savvy Writer”) explains how Harvard Law School offers its Copyright Law class on YouTube.

It’s free. It comes in a series called “Harvard Copyright X” and is taught by Professor William Fisher.

There is much to learn here. I’ve just watched a few of the videos so far, but plan to watch the whole series. The one below is on the history of fair use.

A suggestion Susie made is one I’m taking to heart. You may consider it too.

She said she’s avoiding Unsplash in favor of using her own photos. I’m beginning to do the same.

Honestly, you don’t have to be a great or experienced photographer to snap some pics that can tell your story.

I spent an hour or so the other day taking random photos, some outdoors and others of various items around the house. Fun stuff that I’m pretty sure I can use. Try it!

And just in case your attention is starting to wane, here’s another kitty to perk you up and make you smile.

Author’s photo of her little calico kitty named Flash

Now go and watch some of those videos and make sure you’re not violating any laws that could hit you in the wallet later.

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