What do you do when you find someone is using your content on their blog, website, or products? Here are some ways to protect yourself from IP theft and ways to take action if it happens.
In Part of of my series on Copyright Infringement and theft of IP, I talk about how it happens and what to do when it happens to you. While you'll be angry and feel violated (and rightly so), you need to take some action first, before firing off that angry email, to prove your case.
Here are some highlights from this episode:
1 Keep a record of what you write on your blog or publish. It's easy to do, write your content in a word document which has a date/time stamp. You should be doing this anyway.
2 Get on others’ email list and take note of their content. This is especially important if you already suspect they are 'borrowing' your content. You do not have to get too detailed, just know what they are writing about.
3 Know your rights and follow up with all infringers. You have exclusive right to your content as its creator. No one can use it without your permission but you have to know your rights, follow up, and get legal advice and support.
I know this is a tough topic and no one wants to talk about it. We all want to believe that everyone is honest, ethical, and trustworthy. And most people are - but some people are not and they do use others' content. Take precautions so they don't steal yours and if they do, know how to protect yourself.