YouTube & Copyright Laws - Part 2

In my previous blog post I briefly explained what a copyright is.  In this post, I will be explaining what a copyright infringement is, the consequences of copyright infringement, and some myths about copyright loopholes for YouTube artists.  These matters are important to be aware of and understand in order to protect yourself from the consequences of copyright infringements.

A copyright infringement happens when a copyrighted work is reproduced and distributed before the public without the permission ofthe copyright holder or without the legal right to do so.  The best way to avoid infringement is to remind yourself that if any works are not your own original works, then you should not use it.  Rather be creative and begin to create your own works.  That is what YouTube is all about, inovation and creativity that is shared on the internet.

There can be serious consequences for copyright infringement.  Some of these consequences include being sued by the copyright holder, being found liable for monetary damages, and you could lose your YouTube account.  YouTube works on a three strike system for copyright infringement.  When a copyright holder reports a copyright infringement, YouTube immediately removes the video (as according to the law).  YouTube will email a warning to the YouTube account holder and a strike is applied to the account.  If the offense is repeated and the account holder receives three strikes, YouTube will suspend the account user from YouTube and he or she will be prohibited from creating any new accounts in the future.  These consequences are simply not worth the views that you may or may not receive from using the copyrighted work.

Some people believe that there are ways to use copyrighted works without being accused of infringement.  There are even blogs written about these "loopholes".  Some of these methods include:

~ Giving credit to the copyright holder
~ Refraining from monetizing
~ Noticing similar videos on YouTube
~ Purchasing the content yourself
~ Stating that "no copyright infringement is  
    intended"

These methods are myths and do not guarantee protection from copyright infringement.  These methods might have worked for others, but that does not make it fool proof.  The ONLY ways to avoid infringement are to use your own original works or to receive permission or legal rights to use a copyrighted work.

Copyright infringement is a serious crime that can lead to serious repercussions.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again: It's important to know and understand copyright laws and to follow them in order to protect yourself.  The consequences are not worth it.  You will stand out more and receive more views if you become creative and use your own new and original work.  In my next blog I will explain steps you can take if you believe that you have been wrongfully accused of copyright infringement.  See you next time and get filming!