I can just use this picture from Google, right? (S5E141)

I can just use this picture from Google, right? (S5E141)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs June 1, 2020 Duration: 27:16

Building a beautiful website and creating compelling content takes time and resources (financial or otherwise). And when you're just getting started, you may be short on both. 

It's tempting to just "borrow" a bit here and there and hope no one notices. 

But the consequences can be severe… not to mention potentially devastating to your business.

So what's allowed and what isn't when it comes to using other people's images, video, music, or other intellectual property, and what best practices should you follow?

In this episode, we'll cover:

  • How using an image from a Google search without permission can become an extremely expensive mistake
  • How getting permission to use someone's image might be a lot easier than you think
  • Why it's risky to rely on "fair use" as a justification for copying or borrowing someone else's content
  • The ways that copying another business's emails, website copy, or social media captions can really damage your reputation
  • Why it's super important to do a trademark search (you can DIY this!) BEFORE you choose and start using a brand or product name in your business.

BONUS: Worried you'll make one of the mistakes mentioned in today's episode? We've got you covered. Our guide to using other people's content has you covered. Download your free copy below. 

Resources:

Legal Road Map® podcast Episode 71 - How to do your own TM search: www.awbfirm.com/podcast71

 

This podcast is information, not legal advice specific to your situation.


Navigating the legal landscape of an online business often feels like deciphering a foreign language. Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs translates that complex language into actionable advice you can use right away. Hosted by Autumn Witt Boyd, a practicing attorney who focuses specifically on creative and digital businesses, this podcast serves as a reliable guide through the common yet confusing legal questions entrepreneurs face daily. Each episode tackles practical topics, from the essential contracts you need to protect your work and client relationships to understanding the real purpose behind website policies like terms of service and privacy notices. You’ll hear clear explanations on how copyright and trademark law applies to your original content, branding, and products, helping you secure your intellectual property without unnecessary jargon. Think of it as a regular consultation with a trusted expert, designed to demystify the law so you can make informed decisions and focus on growing your venture with greater confidence and security. Tune in for straightforward conversations that replace legal anxiety with a practical plan, making this podcast an invaluable resource for any entrepreneur building a business in the digital space.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Legal Road Map®: copyright, trademark and business law info for online entrepreneurs
Podcast Episodes
Is your business course-ready? (S5E128) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:42
It seems like everyone is adding a digital course to their arsenal of offerings these days. With tools like plug-and-play platforms and even courses on how to create your course, it's easier than ever to start earning se…
Jasmine Star was SO embarrassed to tell me this (S5E127) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:41
Growing your Instagram following can be tricky business. If you've ever struggled with your IG account, you know my guest is an expert on the platform: Jasmine Star! Jasmine is a law school dropout, turned photographer,…
How FB groups can be BIG trouble (S5E126) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:10
If you've been paying attention to Facebook over the last couple of years, you'll know that FB is making a big push for users to engage in groups. So, not surprisingly, FB groups have been popping up everywhere, whether…
Avoid losing your FB ads account (S5E125) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:39
If you rely on Facebook or Instagram ads to make sales in your business, losing your ads account is probably one of your biggest nightmares. A shut-down account could cripple your next launch and have a serious effect on…
DON'T run Facebook ads until you listen to this episode (S5E124) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:03
Facebook ads can seem like a mystery - it's no wonder there are people who have made a whole career out of helping others set up ads that work. Whether you're a seasoned social media ad user, or you're just starting to t…