smallbusiness-copyright-and-trademarks
ITIAN Small Business Academy
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Copyright and Trademarks
Learn how copyright and trademarks protect your business, your creative work, and your brand, while helping you avoid using other people’s intellectual property unlawfully.
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Your business creates valuable intellectual property such as logos, photographs, written content, videos, training manuals, websites, and marketing material. Understanding copyright and trademarks helps you protect your own work while respecting the rights of others.
Every small business owner should understand the basics before publishing content online or creating a business brand.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what copyright is.
- Understand what trademarks are.
- Know what intellectual property belongs to your business.
- Avoid infringing other people’s rights.
- Protect your own brand and creative work.
What is Copyright?
Copyright protects original creative works. In many countries, including New Zealand, copyright usually exists automatically when an original work is created.
Examples of Copyrighted Work
- Photographs
- Videos
- Written articles
- Books and manuals
- Computer software
- Website content
- Music
- Artwork and graphics
What is a Trademark?
A trademark protects the identity of your business. It can include your business name, logo, slogan, or other distinctive branding that identifies your products or services.
Business Name
Your trading name may qualify for trademark protection if registered.
Logo
Your business logo can become one of your most valuable assets.
Slogan
A memorable phrase associated with your business may also be protected.
Product Names
Unique product names may also qualify for trademark registration.
Intellectual Property Your Business May Own
- Business logo
- Website design
- Course material
- Photographs
- Videos
- Training manuals
- Business templates
- Marketing graphics
- Original software
- Brand identity
Avoid Copyright Problems
- Do not copy photographs from the internet without permission.
- Do not use copyrighted music in videos unless licensed.
- Avoid copying website content.
- Use only licensed fonts where required.
- Check image licences before publishing.
- Always credit creators where appropriate.
Protecting Your Own Work
- Keep original files.
- Record creation dates.
- Use watermarks where appropriate.
- Display copyright notices.
- Register trademarks where suitable.
- Maintain backups of your work.
- Use written agreements with designers and contractors.
Copyright vs Trademark
Copyright
Protects original creative works such as books, photographs, software, videos, and artwork.
Trademark
Protects business identity including names, logos, slogans, and distinctive branding.
Common Mistakes
- Downloading images from Google Images.
- Using someone else’s logo.
- Copying website text.
- Using copyrighted music in promotional videos.
- Assuming social media images are free to use.
- Not protecting your own original work.
Business Protection Checklist
- ✔ Business logo is original.
- ✔ Website uses licensed images.
- ✔ Marketing material is original.
- ✔ Copyright notices added where appropriate.
- ✔ Business name checked before use.
- ✔ Brand assets backed up.
- ✔ Trademark registration considered.
- ✔ Written permissions stored safely.
Practical Project
Make a list of every original item your business has created, including logos, photographs, website content, documents, videos, and marketing material. Then identify anything that may require permission, licensing, or additional protection.
Chapter Summary
Copyright protects the creative work you produce, while trademarks help protect the identity of your business. Understanding both allows you to grow your business confidently while respecting the rights of others and protecting your own valuable assets.
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