Legal Question in Technology Law in Texas

Web Page Content

I would like to know if it is legal to use content from web pages, such as information and photos, on my web page. I would like to design a web page for public intertainment, like so many out there, but I just don't want to illegally use someone elses information and photos.

Thank You


Asked on 5/30/00, 1:37 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Web Page Content

There are two considerations which should be of concern: (1) is the individual material copyrighted, meaning photographs/graphics and/or written articles, and (2) is the website copyrighted, including its content.

Legally, a copyright protects the artist/author from having his/her work plagerized by others. Of course it is done all the time, and what artist can travel around the world suing those who steal his graphics. Usually the copyright holder is contacted and an arrangement made to gain permission to publish the work, often a small payment or royalty.

I recommend you first search the site you are interested in to see if there is reference to copyrighted material. If so, contact the copyright holder. If not, contact the webmaster to inquire concerning the topic.

Bottom line, if you republish copyrighted works without permission, you run the risk of a legal action for copyright infringement.

Good luck.

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Answered on 7/18/00, 8:34 am


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