Copyright protects original works of authorship including content on websites. As a website content writer, it is important to understand copyright law as it relates to creating content for websites. Below are some key points about copyright and website content writing.
What Types of Website Content Are Protected by Copyright?
Nearly all types of original content created for websites are protected by copyright, including:
Articles: Blogs, news articles, product descriptions, tutorials, and other written works are protected.
Images: Photographs, illustrations, graphics, and other visual works created for a website are protected.
Videos: Original videos created for websites like tutorials, demonstrations, interviews, and other film/video works are protected.
Code: Original software code, website templates, and other computer programs developed for websites are protected.
Compilations: Collections and arrangements of content like databases are protected, even if the individual works are not original.
Some content is not protected by copyright, such as facts, ideas, processes, methods, and other works that are not original. Common words and short phrases also do not qualify for copyright. But for most creative works developed specifically for websites, copyright applies.
Who Owns the Copyright on Website Content?
Unless there is a written agreement specifying otherwise, the copyright for works created as part of employment generally belongs to the employer. But for works created independently or on a freelance basis, the default copyright owner is the author – in this case, the website content writer.
It is important for website content writers to have a written agreement that clearly establishes copyright ownership for works they create. This could assign full copyright ownership to the client or share rights between the writer and client. Without a contract, ambiguity may exist around things like usage rights and further monetization opportunities.
Obtaining Rights to Use Copyrighted Material
While website content writers own the copyright for works they independently create, there will be times when integrating or adapting existing copyrighted content makes sense. This requires obtaining the proper rights from the original copyright owners. Some options include:
Fair use: In some situations like commentary, criticism or research, limited use of copyrighted works is allowed without permission under the fair use doctrine. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Public domain works: Materials in the public domain like many early government works and some very old creative works can be freely used without permission.
Creative Commons licenses: Some copyright owners use Creative Commons licenses to allow limited free reuse of their works with attribution. Only certain CC licenses permit commercial adaptations.
Obtaining permission: For content not covered by fair use or public domain, permission from the rights holder must be secured like a license agreement. Fees may apply depending on the intended usage.
Works made for hire: If content is specifically commissioned by a client and created as a work for hire, the client gains copyright ownership from the start and can authorize use freely within their own site/business.
Respecting Copyright on Other Websites
Website content writers must also properly attribute and source any copyrighted material from other websites to be respectful and compliant. This usually means:
Providing a clear source and direct link back to the original work/website it came from.
Limiting the amount used and only taking portions that are necessary for a purpose like commentary or research.
Not lifting full articles, tutorials, videos or other long-form works from external sources without permission.
Not modifying or repurposing copyrighted work unless the usage rights allow it.
Credit the author/creator if known and not claiming ownership over work sourced from others.
Following these best practices for copyright protects website content writers from potential claims of infringement while also establishing them as ethical professionals who respect the work of others.
Content Monetization and Copyright
Website content writers must also consider how their work may be reused or monetized down the line. While one-time commission agreements transfer copyright to the client, writers retain moral rights to be credited for their work. For recurring assignments or works published openly, writers can:
Negotiate ongoing licensing/reuse fees if the content sees monetization like advertising integration.
Keep some usage and derivative work rights like adapting content into new formats over time.
Utilize Creative Commons licensing on openly published works to allow select monetized and non-commercial reuse by others with attribution.
Register copyright on especially valuable works and serial/periodical works to facilitate future legal action if needed.
Carefully read and negotiate employee work contracts with employers that will own the copyright, especially around future ownership transfers.
Following copyright best practices in all aspects of website content creation establishes writers as legal authorities that fully comprehend the rights management elements of professional content work. This helps attract new clients, maximize earning potential over time, and safeguard one’s own valuable intellectual property contributions to the web.
Andrew Stroud