Legal Fixation

SEOmoz on copyright infringement

The good folks over at SEOmoz -- one of the top dogs in search engine marketing news and tips -- have posted a video outlining the steps they take when they find other sites are posting their content without authorization. Their escalation strategy -- starting nice and becoming increasingly not nice -- is the proper approach in many circumstances; we've all seen how firing off a blistering attack with your first volley can have unintended PR consequences.

I would also note that if you are generating as much valuable original content as do SEOmoz and many of those who frequent it, you might consider applying for a federal copyright registration covering the contents of the website every six months or so (or more, if you publish often). In the event your series of letters and takedown notices don't get the job done, you'll be well prepared to take stronger action. The Copyright Office's Circular 66 discusses copyright registration for online works.

posted by Matthew Saunders @ 10:54 AM