Online Web Design

Let's not beat around the bush--you've heard the phrase "imitation is the sincerest form of flattery," and you've seen that many Web sites bear a striking resemblance to each other. However, before you step forward and "borrow" a graphic, block of text, specialized coding processes, or site design, make sure you know the laws that could apply. Although the Internet has thus far avoided specialized regulation by the government, laws related to copyright, trademark, freedom of speech, and other issues apply online as well as offline. Take this quick quiz to test your knowledge of legal issues related to Web design, just to make sure you and your Web sites are on the right track.

1) If I see an image on another Web site that I want to use on my Web site, all I need to do is save the image and I can use it on my Web site.	› true › false
2) An original piece of work is copyrighted only if the person who created it goes through a lengthy legal application process.	› true › false
3) I can use screenshots/screen captures of any Web site I like as freely as I want.	› true › false
4) Text that appears on a Web site that does not charge for access is free for anyone to reproduce without seeking permission to do so.	› true › false
5) People or companies who own copyrights and trademarks will always charge for the reproduction of their work.	› true › false
6) The Library of Congress is the authoritative resource for trademark information.	› true › false
7) I can register a domain name for a trademark that does not belong to me and can be assured that I will never encounter any difficulties with that domain.	› true › false
8) The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is the authoritative resource for copyright information.	› true › false
9) As soon as I create an original work, it is legally protected as a trademarked item.	› true › false
10) To let people know about my Web site, I should send mass, unsolicited e-mails to as many people as possible, and I won't encounter any legal issues.	› true › false

If you answered "true" to any of the above questions, you need to brush up on your understanding of Internet Legal issues! Your first step in improving your knowledge in this area should start with Online Web Design, by Kristina Ackley and Hilary Benoit. The book will help introduce you to the basics of Internet legal issues, and will point out additional vital resources to help you on your way to online Web design success!