Legal for course creators: how to prevent copycats (S4E112)

Legal for course creators: how to prevent copycats (S4E112)

Author: Autumn Witt Boyd | Go-To Lawyer for Online Entrepreneurs November 11, 2019 Duration: 40:21

Learn how you can protect your online course with trademark and copyrights and what recourse is available to you if you discover someone is copying all or part of your course.

In this episode we'll cover:

  • The roles that trademark and/or copyright protections can play in helping you avoid copycats
  • The frustrating limitations of copyrights
  • What 'trade dress' is and how it might apply to your website or online course
  • How strong terms of use on your website is your first line of defense
  • The importance of registering your copyrights if you want to be able to defend them
  • Why (immediate!) screenshots are your best friend if you see your content being copied

Key takeaway: Imitation in the online course world doesn't always feel like flattery. If you put the right protections in place early on, you have a strong leg to stand on when it comes to dealing with copycats.

Visit www.awbfirm.com/podcast112 for show notes.

BONUS: get your hands on our FREE resource to help you write your contracts: The 5 terms I think every contract should include: www.awbfirm.com/5terms 

Resources

Legal Road Map® podcast, Episode 110 (How to use other people's content in your course): www.awbfirm.com/podcast110

Legal Road Map® podcast, Episode 99 (Copyrights for course creators): www.awbfirm.com/podcast99

Have you poured your heart and soul into creating an online course? How upset would you be if one of your students copied some or all of your course content and tried to sell it as their own? Perhaps a more important question: how upset would you be with yourself if you didn't have an agreement in place that expressly prohibits your students from doing something like this? Our Legal Road Map® to Protect Your Online Course contract template bundle can help you lock down your course content in the time it takes you to catch a few episodes of your latest Netflix binge. 

To buy your bundle and start protecting your online course today, visit www.onlinecourselegal.com/yes  

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
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