It’s never uncommon to begin playing a Youtube video only to find the sound completely removed or watch a movie scene where characters dance to a nondescript tune when in reality, there would be a top 40 song playing in the background. Both instances, along with many more, serve as familiar examples of copyright and copyright infringement. According to copyright.gov, “copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression.” Once someone creates something and puts it out into the universe under their name, it’s theirs. A work, whether it’s a song, photograph, article, etc., is only considered original when you create it entirely on your own, without directly copying anything else. Copright.gov also defines copyright infringement as something that “occurs when a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner.” When a Youtuber attempts to use Beyonce’s newest song as the background to a makeup tutorial, the entire audio will most likely be swiftly removed due to copyright infringement. Without Beyonce’s (and/or her management) direct permission to use her original, copyrighted creation, it’s completely protected.
The importance of copyright is undeniable. Above all, it’s morally unethical to use a piece of work without crediting the original creator. It’s making a statement that you claim this art as your own, ultimately branding you as a thief. Much like flat out stealing any physical property, using intellectual property without permission is against the law. The hassle of dealing with a lawsuit far outweighs the small steps it takes to research the proper way to credit the owner. As mentioned in Bev Feldman’s 2019 article, Sharing is Caring: How to Give Photo Credit the Right Way, honoring copyright also “builds trust with your audience by showing them you give credit where credit is due.” Marketing yourself a reliable and trustworthy wedding photographer for example, ends up proving itself as an oxymoron of sorts when you fail to give credit for photos used on your business website. Aside from not breaking the law, it’s ultimately important for your own personal brand to present yourself as an ethical creator who respects the creations of others.
