Creating published or unpublished expressive work can be a significant accomplishment. And upon creation, copyright laws protect these workers and the creator’s right to reproduce, distribute and perform the material. Parties infringe on these rights by using copyrighted material without the owner’s permission.
Registering your copyright can help prevent infringement, but copyright holders can also take steps to identify and stop existing violations.
Monitoring system
Numerous services offer to monitor the internet for potential instances of unauthorized use of your protected work. The cost of these services varies widely, as do the reputation of the businesses.
However, when effective, these parties can do the work of identifying possible cases of infringement for you and alerting you when necessary. Hiring this task out can free up resources in your own company and allow you to focus your efforts elsewhere without leaving your material vulnerable to unauthorized use.
Setting up alerts
Another option that can notify you of potential copyright violations is a Google Alert. This is a free service from Google that allows you to input words or phrases you wish to track online. Any time the search terms appear on a website, you can receive a notice directing you to the page.
Not only can these alerts help you spot cases of infringement, but they can also help you keep track of where your work appears lawfully.
Utilizing your networks
Your personal and professional networks can also be valuable resources when it comes to tracking copyrighted material. Because of their occupation, online habits or relationship to you, the people in these groups might encounter possible instances of infringement independently.
Thus, maintaining positive relationships with people in your industry and other circles not only makes it less likely that they will infringe on your copyright but also gives them an incentive to notify you if they see anything suspicious.
Copyrights provide valuable, exclusive rights to owners. Any party that violates these rights can be held accountable with legal action and remedies.