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While creating a homepage, there are some copyright issues which you should consider. The following guidelines were adapted from the Oppedahl and Larson Weblaw page. This is not legal advice, however. The following are only guidelines. For more information on internet copyrights, visit one of the suggested sites listed at the bottom of this page.
- COPYING IMAGES AND INFORMATION - The best way to avoid copyright
controversies is not to copy things from other sites. Why not just link
to the site that contains the image or information you like? Some graphics
sites tell you up front that you are free to use any and all images
from that location. Others ask that if you use images from that site,
that you include a link to it on your home page. When in doubt, ask
permission from the person who maintains the site.
- POSTING SCANNED IMAGES - The safest way to post a scanned image
on your web page is to obtain permission from the copyright owner before
posting it on your web site. Even when scanning an image yourself it
is best to get permission from all those in the picture before posting
it.
- USING OTHER IMAGES - When using an image from another web site,
you should save a copy of the image into your own directory. (Following
the first tip given above) Although it is possible to use IMG links
to other sites, if the image is changed or deleted from the site you
are linking to, you may be left with a hole in your own page.
- CREATING LINKS - The general rule is you may freely set up
HREF links to other web sites. This point of the World Wide Web is to
create a network of knowledge. This is only possible when we are allowed
to freely link to other web sites. Keep in mind, however, that you should
not create a link to someone else's site and claim that it is your own
creation. Also, don't misrepresent other web sites by saying, for example,
"These people are liars" and creating a link to the page.
- PROTECTING YOUR WEB SITE - There other ways to protect your
site like copyright registration, trademark registration, or patent
protection, but the simplest way to prevent people from taking things
from your web site is not to post it there.
LINKS TO MORE COPYRIGHT INFORMATION:
Libraray of Congress - Copyright Office
An Intellectual Property Law Primer