Copyright laws have been much talked about and many individuals violating it have been seen presenting lame excuses to justify their act. Much is being debated about and there are also some misconceptions about the copyright laws which need to be cleared in order to have a clear picture of what is actually acceptable when it comes to intellectual property of any kind.

Some myths are associated with copyright practices for such a long time that they’re almost believed to be true, nonetheless, they’re myths.

Myth #1: If credit is given to the author, it is not illegal.

It is not true, giving credit is merely the acknowledgement but under any circumstances this does not give anyone the right to copy someone’s brainchild and present it as one’s own work. Without explicit permission, it would be considered illegal to use someone’s work.

Myth #2: No Charges, No Violation.

It is a copyright violation if you are presenting someone’s written piece as yours. Whether or not you sell it or are charging for it in any way, it would still be regarded as an unethical and illegal practice. Some people actually think that they’re doing a great favour to the owner of the work if they’re advertising it around, but that is not even proper.

Myth #3: If it is not marked copyright protected, it’s free.

It’s definitely not free to use and share.  This is a very common misconception and many people don’t even consider it a copyright violation by using someone’s piece of work without acquiring explicit permission. On the author’s part, it is better to notify that that written piece is under copyright protection, but when it is about its use, without an explicit permission that it could be copied, it cannot be copied.

Myth # 4:  Only a registered document is copyright protected.

This is also not true. However, it is good and an added benefit for the author if the work is registered; but the moment a written piece is created originally by the author, it has a copyright. Under any circumstances this excuse could not be a reasonable one:  Just because the written work was not registered, it could be pasted in someone else’s name.

Myth # 5: Internet Property is Free to Use

You do not get the license to use a work updated on internet. Internet is a medium of publication like many others, and it does not give a subliminal message that the written work is free to use. Until and unless it is explicitly marked as free to be shared and (or) modified, it would fall under copyright.

Myth # 6: Copyright is Costly.

Paying for the intellectual property is just like paying for any other consumer good. The owner has the right to claim for a price and it is better to respect that since it is nothing but natural. The cost might be high for some work as compared to what one would get at low quality (or free in case of violation), but it is rightfully charged.