The issues surrounding web content and copyright laws can often be confusing. There are a variety of different opinions about copyright laws with many of them being incorrect. If you own an online business directory or are planning to list on a directory, it is important to understand copyright laws as it applies to the content in the directory.
When submitting to an online business directory, one will normally submit such items as logos, banners, URL that has a domain name, and graphics. When one creates individual work, they are covered by what is known as a copyright upon creation. Therefore, it is not essential to show a copyright symbol for every directory where one lists their information. Web pages are protected by a copyright. Information located on the pages and all information originating from the source of the content that is not displayed as public domain is protected by copyright. A collection of content which includes links is protected by copyright. URLs to web sites are not under copyright protection. It is important to note that a link is not the same as a URL.
Graphics and other forms multimedia located on a business directory are protected by a copyright, unless it states they are public domain. Source code for a web page is also protected by copyright. This means you should not copy and paste protected content and graphics. It is considered a copyright violation. As well, the design of a directory site is expected to be protected by copyright. Content displayed on the business directory such as product names, business names, written material, logos, photographs, graphics, domain names, music, and videos are copyright protected. Graphic user interfaces (GUIs), screen displays, and computer generated graphic symbols, are protected by industrial design law. Databases can be protected by sui generis database laws or copyright laws. Software, that includes the text based HTML code used in websites, can be protected by copyright or patents. It is important to note that when discussing a company’s product or service, you need to identify the company. You can use their trademark but make sure it is displayed in a way that lets users know whose trademark it is so there are no problems with trademark infringement.
Many people think that the material on websites and directories are free to use. It is important that you make visitors aware of the copyright terms of your business directory. You can place a copyright statement on each page of the directory, as well as have a separate term of use and conditions web page. This will show the businesses that are listing on your directory that you take their privacy and copyright concerns seriously, and have taken the necessary steps to ensure that their material is protected. It also lets visitors know that they cannot take the businesses content for their personal use. With so much information available on the internet, it is important that you show businesses that you are a professional and legitimate online business directory. Understanding and implementing copyright protection on your online business directory is one way to display your legitimacy.
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Local Illinois Business Directory is a searchable database full of business listings to quickly search and find anything in the state of Illinois. Browse by city location or by specific categories including restaurants, florists, doctors, and more! http://www.closeby.com/
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