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Can We Spell Out Anything In Our Blogs? Copyright Infringement?

By
Real Estate Agent with Oakstone Properties, Homes in Richmond VA

Can we write about anything without getting accused of copyright infringement?   I wrote a blog a while back, talking about the Constitution and the amendments (Bill of Rights) and was told because I spelled them out in my blog, it could be considered copyright infringement (I was not accused, the person that commented was looking out for me so I did not get into anything bad and I appreciate her concern).  

If I write a blog about America's most popular hamburger joint, do I have to call it Micky D's or can I spell out the real name?  I wrote a blog yesterday asking for opinions about two of the most used contact management systems and I was afraid to spell the names correctly because I might be accused.  I know not to copy pictures or songs, but is it so bad that I cannot write part of the Constitution in a blog (it does start with We the People), that means me to doesn't it?  I think you can quote something as long as you write the author's name after it, I think.  Any info or opinions would be appreciated.

Nate Rowe     Homes in Richmond VA - Homes in Henrico County VA

                 Your Realtor in Richmond VA for Richmond VA Real Estate

www.NateRowe.com

Oakstone Properties

Shane OnullGorman
Eau Claire Realty, Inc. - Eau Claire, WI
Eau Claire Wisconsin, Real Estate Agent & Realtor- Buy or Sell

Did you copy and paste it from somewhere? Otherwise its fair use. Theres a lot of rules I wont pretend to know them all.

Feb 23, 2009 12:36 PM
Mike Klijanowicz
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD
Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors

If you ever have a question on copyright issues, contact Lenn Harley...

Feb 23, 2009 12:36 PM
Mara Hawks
First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL
Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL

There's been a lot of good writing about copywright and blog writing...Lenn Harley's blog would be a great place to begin reading about it...I've learned a lot that way. thanks for your post.

Feb 23, 2009 12:38 PM
Robert Havana
Park and Protect- Alberta Real Estate License Parking - Calgary, AB
Alberta Real Estate License Parking

You are free to post most ANYTHING you want if it is your opinion.  The very document you were referencing entitles you to that.  If I want to post that: "In my opinion McDonalds is selling inferior quality fake food products and contributing to the obesity rates and health care crisis in North America"  I am entitled to that opinion, whether it is right or wrong.

I cannot however utilize their name or any of their copyrighted trademarks for a commercial purpose, such as advancing my own business or self interests.

And, you are correct, it is illegal to distribute copywrited media, art, etc, without the express permission of the artist or whomever holds the rights to such.  It is also not allowed to utilize that media for your own purposes without the same permission (ie. background music on your blog).  You can however, sample those protected mediums, as many recording artists do, or reference them in any opinion or editorial piece.

 

There are certain documents and media that are owned by the public domain and are free to use by anyone who wants to.

When I make editorial posts about how crappy I think Mcdonald's food is, I like to listen to "Fat Bottom Girls" by Queen.  That Freddie Mercury rocks my socks.  :)

Feb 23, 2009 12:51 PM
Tony Anderson
Century 21 Community Realty - Clarkesville, GA
Serving Habersham Banks White & Stephens Counties

So as long as it is my opinion "I can say what I want".  Good deal.

Feb 23, 2009 01:30 PM
Lisa Wetzel
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Carson City, NV
CDPE, SFR carsonvalleyland.com

Nate - Interesting question.  I think I need to visit Lenn's blog and study up on the right answers!  Thanks for posing the question!

 

Feb 23, 2009 07:07 PM
Jamie Boney
Mungo Homes - Columbia, SC

That is a great question!!  I think as long as you site the author your good.  Kind of like a term paper!!

Feb 24, 2009 11:26 AM
Raine Nordby
Colorado Springs, CO

I agree with Lisa. I'm reading Lenn's blog log too!

It's a good life!

~Raine

Feb 24, 2009 04:50 PM