How to keep your dank memes and other creations safe from internet thieves

Sharing your creative work online is exciting, but it also exposes it to theft. This guide outlines how to protect your copyright and what to do if your work is stolen.

Copyright Protection: The Basics

Copyright protection begins the moment you create original content. While registration isn't mandatory, it provides crucial legal proof of ownership, deterring potential thieves and strengthening your position in any legal dispute.

Registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office is a straightforward online process involving form completion, submission of your work, and a fee ($35-$55). Registration legally prevents others from profiting from or claiming your work as their own, except under "Fair Use" guidelines (e.g., brief educational use). However, blatant commercial use or reputation building using your work constitutes infringement.

Protecting Your Work: Medium-Specific Strategies

The best approach varies depending on the type of content:

Images and Art:

• Reverse Image Search: Use Google Images' reverse image search to detect unauthorized use.
• Watermarking: Add a watermark (your name, logo, date) using image editing software (e.g., Pixlr, Watermark app) to clearly mark your ownership.
• Copyright Notice: Display a copyright notice or Creative Commons license to clarify usage terms.
• Low Resolution: Reduce image resolution for online portfolios to prevent high-quality theft.

Videos and Music:

• Manual Monitoring: Regularly check popular platforms (YouTube, SoundCloud) for unauthorized copies. Focus on high-profile sites where thieves are likely to monetize.
• Copyright Notices: Include clear copyright notices and embed ownership information within the digital file using editing software.
• YouTube Watermarking: Utilize YouTube's built-in watermark feature for channel branding.
• Platform Selection: Choose platforms that limit easy downloads.
• Project File Retention: Keep original project files for proof of creation.
• YouTube Alerts: YouTube can send alerts for potential copyright infringements on substantial uploads.

Written Content:

• Google Search: Perform Google searches using unique phrases from your work to identify copies.
• Copyscape: Use Copyscape (free for limited results, paid for extended searches) to detect plagiarized content.
• Copyright Notice: Include a copyright notice and original URL within the text.
• Timestamping: Ensure your website or blog includes timestamps and author information.

Responding to Copyright Infringement:

Even with preventative measures, theft can occur. If you discover your work has been stolen:

1. Direct Contact: Attempt to contact the infringer directly (though a response is unlikely).
2. Platform Reporting: Report the infringement to the hosting platform (YouTube, Flickr, Spotify, etc.).
3. Social Media: Publicize the theft on social media to shame the infringer and encourage platform action. (Use official channels first).
4. Legal Action: If necessary, consult a copyright lawyer to explore legal options.

By combining preventative measures with a proactive response strategy, you can significantly reduce the risk of your creative work being stolen and protect your intellectual property.

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