Protecting a Content-Based Business, Part I: 3 Prerequisites for Copyright Protection
You really should know the prerequisites for copyright protection in the US. But first, let’s talk about protecting content. A lot of content, like online videos, long form blog posts, micro-blogging, podcast episodes, or some combination of those things. This is a three part series that’s going to break down: The three things you need … Continue reading →
Tik Tok: Terms of Use You Didn’t Read
Terms of Use You Didn’t Read is back and this month I’m looking at Tik Tok’s Terms of Use. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better idea of the terms that you agree to by using Tik Tok, what data they’re really using to track you, and how it compares to other … Continue reading →
Breaking Up With A Brand (+ protecting yourself in the future)
It’s no secret that we are in the middle of a huge, huge civil rights movement. And one of the many consequences of that is that our eyes are being opened as to the values of many brands. Consumers are looking into the values of different companies and different brands where they spend their money. … Continue reading →
2 Ways to Protect a Recipe
There are really two ways to protect a recipe. How to protect a recipe depends on how you’re using it and what exactly you want to protect. Are you a food or lifestyle blogger wanting to protect your creative content? Are you an essential oils guru, wanting to protect recipes you’ve developed? Or are you … Continue reading →
3 Steps to Take After Infringement Happens
By the end of this post, you’re going to have a good idea of three steps to take after infringement happens. (Like the stages of grief, but different and a little more actionable.) There is life after infringement, so let’s talk about what happens. Feel the feelings, and then, handle it. First things first, when … Continue reading →
4 Legal Documents Involved in Pivoting Your Online Business
By the end of this post you’ll know more about four legal documents that are involved in pivoting your online business. And it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. We’re going to be talking about trademark applications, non-disclosure agreements, work for hire, and a trademark license. So here we go. Trademark Application So first, a … Continue reading →
Protecting Yourself When Using Guest Bloggers
By the end of this post, you’re going to understand who owns the IP when you use guest bloggers and how to change that. You’ll also learn about some alternatives to asking for IP ownership when working with guest bloggers and contributors. So here we go. Who owns the IP when you’re working with a … Continue reading →
Why a Podcast Trademark Search is a Crucial Prep Step to Launching
By the end of this post, you will know why I think a podcast trademark search is a crucial prep step before launching. Hint: it comes down to saving you money and stress down the line. So here we go! What a trademark search uncovers So how can a trademark search ultimately save you money … Continue reading →
Canva: Terms of Use You Didn’t Read
Let’s talk about Canva! Terms of Use You Didn’t Read is back and we’re going to talk through just a couple of interesting terms that I found when looking through Canva’s terms of use. Remember, these are things that you’ve agreed to by using Canva. I found some real treasure when reading these terms! There’s … Continue reading →
The PPP for Bloggers, Podcasters, and Other Self-Employed Online Business Owners
The CARES Act created a wonderful opportunity for businesses struggling because of COVID-19. That opportunity is through the PPP or Paycheck Protection Program. This post will talk about the PPP for bloggers, podcasters, and other self-employed individuals doing business online. Note: This is ever-changing! There are several different interpretations of the PPP and I will … Continue reading →
How a Force Majeure Clause Can Help an Online Business
In this COVID-19 world, everyone wants to know if force majeure applies. In this post, you’re going to learn what “force majeure” means, what it does, and when it applies. We’ll also look at some force majeure sample clauses and I’ll give you some examples of business transactions and how they’re affected by force majeure. … Continue reading →
Why You Should Put a Copyright Notice on Your Blog or Website
By the end of this quick video you’re going to know why it’s important to put a copyright notice on your blog or website. You’ll also learn what a copyright notice means, when to use it, and what it prevents. First, what goes in a copyright notice? There are three elements to a proper notice. … Continue reading →