How do I avoid copyright infringement?

Copyright infringement is a serious offense, and in Virginia, it can carry hefty civil and criminal penalties. To avoid copyright infringement, make sure to understand your rights as a creator and the rights of other creators. First, be sure to get permission from the copyright owner before using any work, such as a song or photograph. Additionally, it is important to read the license for any materials you want to use. Most materials, such as music, films, or books, are protected by copyright and require permission before they can be used. Second, recognize that copyright protection extends to the way you use a work or how you create a look-alike. If you are using a photo from another source, even if you credit the original source, you should still obtain permission from the copyright holder. Third, recognize what is and is not fair use. Fair use allows someone to make limited use of copyright protected works in certain circumstances, such as for criticism, comment, research or to report news. Be aware that if you are using someone else’s work for commercial gain, you are likely infringing their copyright. By understanding the rights of copyright holders and yourself, and taking steps to get permission and use the work only for allowed purposes, you can avoid copyright infringement in Virginia.

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