In previous articles, we touched upon topics related to design licenses and rights and the most common questions surrounding them. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some general concepts related to design rights, along with important tips and guidelines on the subject.
Think About Rights and Licenses from a Business Perspective
It’s obvious that using pirated or unknown-source images or designs is a clear violation of rights. However, using a paid image (costing between $3 to $5) on your website or with your clients won’t pose a significant issue as long as you’re gaining commercial value from it. You can, for example, add a small margin to the overall cost you charge your client to cover these expenses. Websites like Photodune by Envato offer a fantastic range of images at reasonable prices, and you can also purchase designs from Graphicriver for use in your projects, which helps you respect intellectual property rights and maintain your integrity with your clients and your Creator.
Usage is One Thing, Selling or Distributing is Another
All licenses and rights mainly pertain to usage. If you purchase a work from Graphicriver, you can use it with your clients or in your personal projects without violating rights. However, reselling it, sharing it for free, or using it with more than one client is a direct violation of rights.
Think About Your Apps and Software Too
Investing in original software and applications like Adobe products is worth serious consideration. Even though pirated versions are widely available, spending a small part of your income to buy an original copy of the software you use in your work is a crucial step. This investment is not only about demonstrating your professionalism and commitment to your work but also about earning a lawful living. If you look at it from this angle, you’ll find that paying $50 a month for the Adobe suite or $20 for a specific program isn’t much compared to the income you could generate using these tools.
Quick Tips
1. Avoid Search Engines like Google: The risk of violations and theft is high, and you might inadvertently use protected content, leading to intellectual property infringement.
2. Always Credit the Source: Don’t share anything without crediting the source. Everyone knows the sources used, and it’s not necessary to keep them a “trade secret.” If the publisher isn’t happy with the sharing, they’ll inform you politely.
3. Avoid Copying from Arabic Content: Copying from any Arabic source, whether an image, article, or even a sentence, can quickly lead to accusations of theft and imitation.
4. Verify Copying Rights: If you want to share content from a website or social media, ensure that the owner hasn’t explicitly prohibited copying and sharing.
5. Flickr is a Good Example: Some websites like Flickr clearly outline usage rights, and you can search for images authorized for use.
6. Don’t Use Print Screen: If you can’t directly save the image, it means the site owner has disabled this option, so don’t resort to illegal means.
7. Avoid Torrent Sites: Don’t consider using or sharing works or designs from torrent sites or design theft networks like Turko, as that clearly violates rights.
8. Don’t Publicly Confront Violators: Sometimes, it’s better not to confront rights violators directly but to report them quietly without getting into an argument.
9. Confirm the Source of the Work: Don’t use any image or design in your work without verifying its source, and don’t trust someone who provides you with a design to use, even if it’s the client themselves.
10. Respect Rights: Don’t compromise on rights, apply this principle to yourself and those around you. It’s better to be the victim than the offender.
Conclusion
Learn from your mistakes in the field of intellectual property, and consult with experts to ensure you’re in the clear even if you’re confident. Read and understand the legal texts thoroughly to be completely comfortable with what you’re doing, satisfy your conscience and your Creator, and start with yourself.