Who owns the words posted on a forum
Submitted by Publisher on Mon, 19/04/2010 - 11:23
Hi all,
I was wondering if you could help about who legally owns the words that are posted on forums. I have been on a few different forums and there are a lot of funny comments posted on them that i think would make a great book / magazine feature. I would like to know who owns the words that are posted on these forums. Is it the owner of the forum, the poster or is it a case that if i wanted to use these posts i could just use them in my book?
Many thanks in advance
This does depend on the rules
This does depend on the rules of each forum.
Copyright generally remains in the ownership of the one posting but the rules on this site provide for the assignment of that copyright to the Law Forum when a member posts.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED - WE ARE WATCHING.
only kidding!!
Ok thanks for this. haha
Ok thanks for this. haha guess ill have to remove the bits i got from here :)
Out of interest if names and locations were changed / removed would i be in a much safer place legally?
If you changed the names and
If you changed the names and locations it will just be more difficult to trace where you have taken the original source material from. However if you copy the contents of forum posts exactly or substantially then this will still potentially be a breach of copyright and you will potentially be risking legal action being taking against you or your publisher.
The best approach may be to contact the forum administrators directly and ask for their permission to publish the posts that have appeared in their forum. You may find that they are more than happy to give you permission if you mention their forum in your article / magazine etc.
I think that your idea is quite good as there are many weird and wonderful things that are discussed on forums!
I am a Legal Advisor employed by Sarginsons Law and specialise in Civil Litigation matters. I deal with disputes between individuals and businesses including Landlord and Tenant issues, debt recovery and property disputes.
Telephone 02476 553181<
Thanks for this and thanks
Thanks for this and thanks for the promt reply. It really was helpful.
No problem at all and good
No problem at all and good luck with the book.
I am a Legal Advisor employed by Sarginsons Law and specialise in Civil Litigation matters. I deal with disputes between individuals and businesses including Landlord and Tenant issues, debt recovery and property disputes.
Telephone 02476 553181<
I agree with Gerard. Just ask
I agree with Gerard.
Just ask for permission.
Most forums including this one would agree as long the forum is mentioned.