copyright infringement

samuel · Guest

There is never an excuse for stealing the work of other people. Your work should be original. It should reflect your knowledge and point of view, and be written in your voice. When you do so, do not be easily intimidated by those who claim ownership of your words.

I recently received an email from an author who claimed I had violated his copyright because I wrote about the same topic he had. I had not seen his work, and my article was not the same as him. However, he wanted to claim that simply writing about the same subject and covering some of the same information was a copyright violation.

The purpose of his email became clear as I neared the close. He wanted me to replace my article with him, and promote his products as an affiliate. It appears that his claim of copyright infringement was simply a sleazy attempt to recruit me as an affiliate.

I wondered how many others fell for his tacky come-on. Although it didn't work with me, Understanding the limits of copyright can help you to defend your work if you are falsely accused of infringement.

Some examples of things that can not be copyrighted:
Titles and Names
Short Expression
Catchphrase
Thoughts
Method
Directory of Constituent or Filling

Some of the items in the above list may be covered by patent or trademark law, but that is another issue.

It is possible that several authors will all chose to write about the same subject, and may cover some of the same ideas. If each author approaches the subject independently, and does not copy how the others have expressed their ideas, there is generally no copyright infringement.