Do you ever use images with watermarks on them? Do you ever ‘borrow’ images from a Google search, or even from Canva and then not use them in Canva? Do you know that using a watermarked image counts as stealing and doesn’t present your business in a good light? Do you own the Intellectual Property rights to a logo created for you, or do you have the licensing rights to use it?
If a designer, illustrator, writer, or photographer creates for an employer/contractor, the IP is usually owned by the employer/contractor. If a designer, illustrator, writer, or photographer creates as a sole trader/freelancer/self-employed person, the IP remains with them unless there is a contractual agreement that states otherwise.
Jill Poet hosted the Organisation for Responsible Businesses meeting today in which Clive Bonny provided us with some Intellectual Property updates. We heard about copyright, registration and trade marks, licensing, training manuals and workbooks. We also heard about how much copyright infringement can cost, although most cases often don’t make the news as they are settled out of court with an NDA (non-disclosure agreement).
You can register a name, logo, slogan, shape, picture, graph, or process. Unregistered businesses still have rights, especially if you can prove how long you’ve been in business. Passing off* can be a big issue, especially in product and fashion design. It’s important to seek advice from the right people as sometimes the correct searches are not made (check invention credentials).
It’s also worth bearing in mind that AI-generated content cannot be protected as it is not generated by humans. If you would like to know more about this, speak to Clive Bonny.
The best way to make sure you have the right to use something is to create it from scratch, or ask for the help of a creative, but make sure you are both aware of who owns or has the license to use what.
*When someone tries to pass off their creation as that of another company (e.g. your’s).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrTFjt6n0xg
Jill Poet
Thanks for this Tracy Weeks, BA (Hons) 💜 💚 and for attending the event. I’ve just added a post that includes the video if anyone would like to watch: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jillpoet_orb-members-support-member-workshop-intellectual-activity-7312846180500070401-PxDX?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAIKKnQBtKkQc_r2ReGhFFg1pJqDlxkTvJc
The Organisation for Responsible Businesses hosted a superb member-supports-member workshop this afternoon delivered by Clive Bonny, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrTFjt6n0xg
Mitali Deypurkaystha
Fantastic session, especially as I embark on a new business journey. Thank you, Clive Bonny