FAQs:

What does R.I.G.H.T.S. stand for?


Redistribution In Graphics Has To Stop.

In its early stages, R.I.G.H.T.S. primarily was designed as a basic primer for copyright issues regarding the unauthorized use, theft of, or redistribution of graphics. However, now in its eighth year online, R.I.G.H.T.S. has made every attempt to address other protected intellectual property and the respective copyright issues addressing text, music, fonts, brushes, etc.




What is R.I.G.H.T.S.?

It is a collective stand that copyright owners throughout the internet must take in an effort to establish a clear, concise and direct global understanding that unauthorized redistribution of copyrighted property is illegal.                

R.I.G.H.T.S. does not advocate the reactive process of “seeking or searching out” redistributed material; instead we promote a more proactive approach of educating the potential violator BEFORE the infringement occurs.

R.I.G.H.T.S. does not offer legal counsel and is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice.

For all matters involving copyright dispute or infringement, please seek the counsel of an attorney specializing in trademark & copyright law.




Who does R.I.G.H.T.S. affect?

The illegal redistribution of copyrighted property affects (1) the creator or the copyright holder and (2) the web site developer who is committing the copyright infringement and (3) if applicable, it affects the client who is the recipient of an illegally developed web site and (4) it affects the artistic community as a whole.




What is redistribution?

Redistribution is the unauthorized use of copyrighted material via sharing files, establishing collections, or the developing of websites for gain while using copyright restricted images, photography, coding, writing (content), etc.




Why is redistribution illegal?

Redistribution of any intellectual property (copyrighted material) without the approved consent and/or license of the copyright owner is illegal because the art, graphics, linkware, photography, music, lyrics, poetry, writing, fonts, dingbats, etc., is held “in copyright” to the owner.

One of the exclusive rights granted to the copyright owner is the right of distributing their copyrighted material (per the Copyright Act of 1976). Redistribution denies that exclusive right to the copyright owner.

The owner of the copyright stipulates how the intellectual property can be used, i.e. Terms of Use.

The unauthorized use of intellectual property outside of the creator’s Terms of Use constitutes an illegal act of copyright infringement.




If some sites offer graphics as linkware, why can’t they be redistributed?

Because the owner of the copyright has the exclusive right of distribution and without the expressed consent of the copyright owner or a specific license granted by the copyright owner, redistribution is illegal.

How the linkware is used is solely defined by the owner of the copyright. As part of their copyright, the copyright owner is granted the exclusive privilege of determining how their work is distributed and how the work is reproduced.

The Terms & Conditions set forth by the copyright holder are the definitive guidelines for the use of the linkware.




I make websites for others using linkware made by others. Is that okay? I use the linking logo.

No. Redistributing the intellectual property of others denies the tenet of copyright that allows the sole distribution of the linkware to its original creator.

If you are charging for the development of the website or in any way derive “gain” from the development of the website you are also restricting the value of the intellectual property by redistributing the linkware.

“Gain” includes items or services earned by barter or trade.

“Gain” also includes the use of the developed websites in a portfolio or a listing of clients. This is “intended gain” because the purpose of the inclusion is to solicit additional business.

The placement of the linking logo on redistributed linkware does not always constitute compliance. Always check the linkware creator’s Term of Use.

Many linkware creators offer a redistribution license. Always check the Terms & Conditions prior to using linkware.




What are Terms & Conditions?

They are the guidelines or rules that the copyright owner specifies as part of their copyright.

They define the “use” of their intellectual property. The are the license which is granted for use of the copyrighted work.

If you are an artist, writer, musician, programmer, etc., and place your work online for use by others, it is recommended that you always include specific Terms & Conditions/Terms of Use to accompany your intellectual property.

See “Definitions: Use” and “Examples: Terms of Use”




My site was done by someone else using redistributed graphics. Now what?

The ultimate responsibility belongs to the web site owner.

First, if the linking logo and active link are on the page, follow the link and contact the copyright owner. Since they hold the legal rights, they need to be aware of the infringement. They also can be your strongest ally in getting your money back.

Next, contact the web developer and inform them of your discovery. Insist that they remove the illegal graphics immediately and replace them with original or licensed graphics.

If you receive no satisfaction and the website-domain-URL belongs to you, contact the host that serves the URL and request the site be removed immediately.

BE ADVISED: Receiving illegally redistributed graphics is like receiving a pirated movie, buying an unauthorized reproduction of an original artwork or perhaps even accepting stolen merchandise. It is illegal and can successfully be pursued and remedied with criminal litigation.




How do I join R.I.G.H.T.S.?

R.I.G.H.T.S. is not a club, organization or group. The pages of R.I.G.H.T.S. are constructed as tools for education.

R.I.G.H.T.S. is a proactive educational process!

Individuals can support R.I.G.H.T.S. by understanding the basic laws of copyright and honoring the copyrights on ALL intellectual property.             

The educational process starts with you.

Read and learn about all aspects of copyright by visiting the sites listed under “Resources”.

If your website is copyright compliant and you want to promote copyright education online, please feel free to place a R.I.G.H.T.S. logo on your site.

Please link that logo to:

http://www.RightsForArtists.com

Visit “Logos” for a wide variety of buttons to choose from.


The data contained within this site has been reviewed and edited by a copyright attorney. However, the information provided within the pages of R.I.G.H.T.S is not implied or direct legal advice. For all matters involving copyright, please consult an attorney.