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Copyright Notes
Introduction
The purpose of this page is to assist those who are relatively new to issues of copyright. It is not meant to be taken as a definitive summary (so don't quote me!) but as a broad guide for users of ClipCopy Content Solutions and for prospective authors who may be considering submitting work for consideration as ClipCopy.
The Meaning Of Copyright
Copyright is a legal term, which means that precise interpretation varies from country to country. In general though, it is based on the assumption that the owner of a written work has certain rights when it comes to how it is used by others. In order to establish such rights she might choose to mark her work by appending the word 'Copyright' to it (or the internationally recognized symbol ©, which means the same thing) together with her name and the date (or just the year) of its creation. In most countries though, it is not a legal necessity; owner's copyright is assumed regardless. The term All Rights Reserved is also often used. This can be a way of announcing that the owner would consider relinquishing or transferring one or more of her rights to the work, usually under a license agreement or similar arrangement, in return for certain considerations.
Copyright Rights
So what 'rights' are assumed? Well, an obvious one is the right to make copies (eg with a photocopier). If it can be performed in public, such as a theatrical work, that is another right that a copyright owner assumes exclusivity for. Displaying a work in public is another. The right to modify it to suit a purpose not originally intended (eg a screenplay based on a book) is another.
Copyright Ownership
These exclusive rights of reproduction don't last forever. In most Western societies they expire 50 years after their author's death. Also, an author is not necessarily the owner of the copyright just because she created that particular piece of work. If it was commissioned or otherwise created on someone else's behalf, chances are that they (the aforementioned 'someone else'!) are the copyright holders.
How It Applies To Clipcopy
However, for our purposes we need to look at copyright as it might affect ClipCopy (if you haven't already done so, read An Introduction to ClipCopy first) and there are two perspectives to consider here.
Users of ClipCopy
- You need to be aware of a writer's right to attribution. This means that if an item of ClipCopy has an author's byline or 'virtual signature' appended, or is attributed in any other way (such as by inclusion of an email address), it must be included when you use it in your newsletter.
- Unless stated otherwise you may put all attributions together in the masthead (or similar place such as a Table of Contents). Otherwise, without exception, the attribution must appear at the start or the end of the article exactly as supplied.
- By the same token, attaching another writer's name to an item in such a way that it intimates that she is author of the work, when in fact she is not, is forbidden.
- Many ClipCopy items are not attributed and are therefore not subject to the rules of attribution.
- ClipCopy publication rights are only granted for hard copy (i.e. printed on paper) publications or limited electronic rights (i.e. not available to the public) unless otherwise stated. If you are seeking articles with general electronic publishing rights click the More Copy link.
- Editing rights are included with ClipCopy unless specifically excluded, always provided that the information conveyed and the general tone of the piece remains unaltered and undistorted.
- The Working Title is not subject to copyright protection and may be freely edited, altered or replaced except in the case of those few items that specifically exclude such title editing.
Suppliers of ClipCopy
- We accept submissions from copyright holders for their work to be considered as ClipCopy .
- We also accept submissions from authors and others for items in the Public Domain (i.e. not subject to copyright) and adaptations of such, to be considered for use as ClipCopy .
- Although reasonable steps might be taken to establish the veracity of such submissions, acceptance of any items should not be taken to mean that a transfer of copyright has taken place nor that liability of any kind devolves on to The ClipCopy Site or anyone involved with them.
- In the event of a dispute over copyright, whether or not it involves litigation, we reserve the right to remove the item(s) concerned without consultation or discussion.
- Acceptance of an item is on the understanding that the submitter comprehends and agrees with the copyright issues as they might affect users of ClipCopy Content Solutions as enumerated above.
Submitting ClipCopy
If you have material that you would like us to consider for ClipCopy and you are the rightful copyright holder (or if you are sure no copyright is involved) please send a blank message to our autoresponder for the document Guidelines for ClipCopy Submissions. This has details of everything you need to know including the format to use, remuneration terms, types of material most needed, what won't be considered etc. Priority will always be given to Full Members when there is a choice to be made between works of equal merit. The URL for your submission is: subgls AT clipcopy DOT com
Other Copyright Issues
For more detailed information regarding copyright please go to: 101 Publishing Answers
We receive copy submissions from all over the world and on odd occasions might have unwittingly accepted plagiarized material. Although we cannot accept responsibility if this is so, we have no desire to retain such material on our site and would not hesitate to remove it if we were informed by the genuine copyright holder(s). If you fall into this category please email us with your grievance and reasonable evidence in support. You can do this now by clicking here: copyrt AT clipcopy DOT com
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