If you’re new to the world of design as a professional, you might find copyright an overwhelming subject to understand. If you ever used this reliable essay writing service based on an EssayHub review, you know that the creator sells the content, hence waives their copyright. However, as a designer, you will still be the owner of your creation, be it a logo or a whole mock-up. It’s crucial that every artist knows about the basics of copyright to avoid infringement and be prepared to sue anyone who uses their designs. Here are six things designers need to know about copyright.
1. Your designs belong to you
Once you publish a design, you automatically become the owner of the design. You don’t have to apply or register yourself as the owner of the design. As long as your name is associated with the design, anyone wanting to reuse it will have to get your permission.
Copyrights last for a long time, so you don’t need to worry about re-publishing your designs. Your copyright is recognized all over the world, so you always decide how your designs are being used and by who. One way to keep your designs safe from theft is to watermark photos. Your name will be associated with the photo and will be safe from theft.
2. Styles aren’t copyrighted
Your designs are yours, but the ideas and styles can be termed as inspiration for anyone. Styles including font styles, color variations, measurements and texts don’t come under copyright. Your designs cannot be copied directly, but individual elements can be used by other designers in their work.
You cannot control the influence of your work. If it’s recognized by other designers as an influential design, it’s bound to attract designers that make their own adaptations of the design. Focus on your work and only pursue replication of your work.
3. Creative Commons License
Creative Commons License is one issued by designers who are comfortable with other people using their work, granted that they mention the name of the designer. Creative Commons License includes various types of licenses that designers can apply for. These licenses are used to manage the commercialization of shared designs and the way the designs are used by other individuals.
If you use a design issued with CCL, you must read the conditions under which it can be used to avoid any violation of the owner’s rights. Every designer should spend time going through the CCL regulations and the different kinds of licenses that can be issued.
4. Reusing designs require permission
Reusing a designer’s work requires you to take permission in prior. You cannot ask for permission after using the image and uploading your own design. You violate the rights of the owner of the image by doing so and run the risk of being sued. Punishments can vary depending on the scale of copyright infringement. Ensure you either take permission before reusing designs or take inspiration from their work to create your own design.
5. Suing for copyright infringement
If someone uses your designs without your permission, you have the right to sue them for copyright infringement and get compensated for the trouble they cause you. To sue, you will need all the data related to your designs. This will include publishing dates, project files and witnesses.
Without sufficient data, you cannot prove that the design is yours so it’s best to save all related data with you. When you can prove that the design is yours, you can seek compensation from the person who stole it.
Depending on the extent of copyright infringement, the court will also give the accused a punishment. Should your publishing data not be public, the accused can argue that they did not know about copyright and will not have to pay for the charges.
6. Designs for clients are still yours
Professional designers make plenty of designs for their clients. Each design is made for the client, but it belongs to the designer. The client can use the designs for the purpose they commissioned them for but cannot have another designer make changes to them without getting the owner’s permission.
Unless the designer gives the clients full rights over the design, changes to the design or use of the design for another purpose violates copyrights. It’s important for both the designer and the client to know this to avoid copyright infringement.
Conclusion
Knowing copyright laws as an artist is necessary in the content-driven world today. Designers spend hours creating their designs. Knowing their laws can allow them to take quick action against theft and sue anyone using their designs without their permission.
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