COPYRIGHT ON TEACHERS PAY TEACHERS... How to Get it Right!

[@maresquare76]

You did such a great job of answering so many of my copyright questions, thank you!

[@lovely87ym]

Wow this is crazy, I decided to start creating my own worksheets, I lost my job so I really kept thinking what else can I do and I see your video and it’s just amazing!!! Thank you!

[@BeccaDavis]

That’s awesome! Not the losing your job but the working to keep going part. If you want to try digital, here’s a free webinar to get you started: mailchi.mp/2a0a78875c9a/create-online-resources

[@francinebaron2158]

How has it been since you posted this?

[@SushiJade]

Thank you, you explained this so clearly! 😊

[@mthguru]

I know this is an older video. It was WONDERFUL content. Thank you! Maybe an updated video that would include copyright and AI images.

[@ms.mcbeth289]

Simple, straightforward, and super helpful.

[@RapOperaCentral]

Spot on! I think you just gave Becca another catch phrase.

[@BeccaDavis]

That should be my tag line!

[@PontelasPilasSpanish]

That's really useful, so many tips, thanks for sharing, also, I love your Be our Guest cushion, Disney I guess? Im a massive WDW fan 😀

[@BeccaDavis]

Yes it is! I got it as a present a few years ago. We are also huge Disney people

[@teachcreateandcaffeinate]

Thank you so much for sharing these tips! I am just starting out and I am so scared to put products out. I am very new to this world and your tips are helping me so much to start the right way.

[@BeccaDavis]

Glad it was helpful! The best advice? JUST DO IT!

[@jannstephens8820]

Thanks for all your information. You have been so helpful and delightful to follow!

[@BeccaDavis]

I’m so glad! Thanks for being here and watching

[@CleverBrains]

Ive been wanting this video so long!! So happy😊😊

[@BeccaDavis]

So glad! I hear you when you comment!

[@Techno360Fun]

thank you for info

[@HighVibeTeaching]

Thank you so much for making these videos! I have about 20 products in my TPT store and I was really scared about using font that was not copy written. So what I did was I searched on TPT for font that I could commercially use and I mentioned the seller in my terms of use page or one of the last pages in my product to give credit to the creator of the font. I don’t use a lot of clip art actually. If I do use clipart I just create my own on my iPad. Actually maybe I should start selling clipart… hmmm

[@BeccaDavis]

If you’re making it, you should definitely sell it! I also use fonts from TPT and give credit on the credit page

[@jamiemueller1881]

@@BeccaDavis So are standard ones like Times New Roman kosher? I mean...it just seems to get ridiculous if actual typing is copyrighted! I get that novel fonts would be but where is the line drawn? Thanks.

[@ms.martinez1933]

Thank you, Becca! Can you post worksheets that supplement lessons in curriculum books?

[@TYGZus777]

I am just getting started with TPT selling. I have been a buyer for years. I have spent days watching tutorials on how to go about becoming a seller and have spent months editing everything that is copyrighted from my lessons. Now, as I complete my store and prepare to upload my first product, I was taken to a home page which showed a lot of other art teacher's products. I am seeing flagrant use of copyrighted images, such as book covers, and artists artworks! Their products look great and so colorful because all they had to do was screen shot images from published, (copyrighted,) materials. Apparently TPT must not really take those copyright laws seriously at all. I really doubt those people will ever get called out on their infringements. The page has a link to report the product to TPT, but you have to be the copyright owner to file the report. What are the odds that the suthor of "The Dot" will ever see this product on TPT?

[@BeccaDavis]

You’d be surprised! It may not be the author but every once in a while the publishers will go through and flag it all of those. You worry about yourself and make sure that you are doing the right thing

[@aadrianamorales8712]

Thanks Becca. I

[@BeccaDavis]

You’re welcome!

[@manigodaXX]

When you put the copyright symbol at the bottom of your resource do you need to register your name anywhere?

[@cath2388]

Wow! Thank you for all these informations. I was wondering how I could use movie character cliparts like Pokemon for example.

[@BeccaDavis]

Hi Catherine! I wouldn’t. Those are copyrighted and it could get you in trouble, which you don’t want.

[@andreadavis1250]

Thanks 😊

[@BeccaDavis]

You’re welcome!

[@Jade-MarieRobinson]

Can you include the book cover on the thumbnail if you’ve created a novel study?

[@Yasmin-pi5pr]

Hi Becca, what about Fonts? I use Canva's fonts, but I'm sure if that's allowed or if (and how) I should acknowledge them.

[@sofiazidar1534]

Hi Becca! I am history teacher and many of my activities include text that has been taken from books. Can I use content from other books acknowledging the source? Is this ok? Thanks!

[@Hannah.Kelley27]

Do you know if TPT has rules or regulations about copyright with ChatGPT? If I make something using a ChatGPT prompt, can I sell it?

[@naomimcdougall1545]

Thanks Becca. I had an issue with copyright when I first started TPT as I didn’t know you could not use the dolce sight word list to make flash cards. The cards were completely my own designed with the help of great clip artists! Connecting with the TPT forum helped me see this and I took my product down. Not I have cards with season words that no one wants but I will leave them in my store till I have time to make more products. 🙂

[@BeccaDavis]

I know it’s a pain! Buuut that’s a lot better than getting a lawsuit.

[@naomimcdougall1545]

@@BeccaDavis Yes absolutely! That is why it is important to connect with others who are creating similar businesses to you.

[@SamFles]

Hi Becca, I was wondering if you could offer and insights! Last April, TpT reached out to let me know that a publisher has made a claim of copyright infringement against me and TpT blocked my specific products from being sold. I followed the protocol and wrote a letter defending the products that I uploaded. After reviewing them, TpT unblocked my products and I continued selling them. I haven't heard anything else for the last 3 months regarding this matter. I don't know if the matter is closed, or if the publishers will come after me privately? Or are they only allowed to go through TpT since that is the platform I sell on? It's a bit confusing. I don't know if they will continue pushing or not. (Also, for context, others have made almost identical products to mine- and the publishers would have to target all those sellers). Any knowledge you have to share would be great!

[@michellejensen676]

Thank you, I really like your videos. Can you use the basic fonts that come on the laptop or with office 365 to sell products?

[@Kim-ii3jo]

Question: I keep hearing "You have to have permission from the original author." I am a high school Spanish teacher. A lot of the activities I would sell on TPT have information from song lyrics, articles or stories, Netflix TV series, etc. in them. (Although after reading a bit more today, I am not sure if it is even legal to show your class a Netflix show). It seems like it would be very difficult to contact Shakira, for example, about whether she is okay with me using her song in a product that makes, compared to her income, pennies. I am the type of person who wants to do things right, and make sure I am not breaking laws. It also seems, though, like some of these people (for example, Shakira) might not care if their lyrics are in my activity - especially if it is driving traffic to their published work. I also see tons of people posting activities like this on Teachers Pay Teachers, and I am sure they probably did not all get permission. So, I don't know if I should forget about putting those activities on TPT, or what, because it seems difficult to contact some of these people. Wondering if anyone else is in the same situation. Copyright feels a little overwhelming.

[@bethprather9241]

As a retired k thru 8 ele teacher, rd coach, and math coach. I have several things that I have created but the ideas my have came from a teacher trainer 10 years ago.. plus I clueless how anything is absolutely all brandnew?? Noway.. Even the fraction problems could have came from a book? I will view. OH IF U USE BOOKS, CAN U JUST USE THEM ON A RESFERENCE PAGE AND THEIR ORG CREATOR.I WILL CHANGE SOME BUT IT WILL BE HARD.HElp!!

[@maureenpetrone8623]

Hi Becca, What about using KZbin videos in a power point, like a virtual field trip??

[@ANDREWGEN_]

I am a new clip art artist. My stuff is cheap and you can use it for anything you want after purchase~

[@amyhaskins9796]

What about all the book "inspired" clip art seems like that would be a problem.

[@BeccaDavis]

I’m not sure where that falls because I’m not a lawyer but if you’re concerned don’t use it.

[@lessonsinhumanities721]

What about Wikimedia commons images?

[@BeccaDavis]

According to the website, they are fair game!

[@ensurethefuture]

Another great video - thanks so much! Just wondering if you recommend putting the little C copyright symbol on all pages of your items, logos, banners etc? Thank you!

[@BeccaDavis]

I wouldn’t bother with logos and banners, but yes on every product.

[@ensurethefuture]

@@BeccaDavis Thank you for getting back to me! Just wondering if you copyright it with your name or your TPT store name? Thx again!!

[@srishtimiglani6733]

Hi Becca, thank you so much for all the information that you put on KZbin, it is so very helpful and appreciated! Just wondering, you've got lots of products up and they all have a terms of use page. Is it okay for others who are starting out (like myself) to use the same or similar wording for the terms of use of any products we make?

[@BeccaDavis]

I wouldn’t go take anyones but if you want to base your tou off of mine that’s fine. It’s not anything super special.

[@srishtimiglani6733]

@@BeccaDavis Thank you!

[@masteraffiliatemarketing9042]

Hello thank you for all the information I am sorry about the profile image this is my husband's photo my name is Mandy am a homeschool teacher of two boys and i am just starting out with tpt and would love to be apart of the community! I am excited to begin but I know it doesn't happen automatically so I am grateful for your videos to walk me through the whole process I do have a question I am wanting to know if you have a video to set up everything correctly on tpt Account Basics Profile Address Payment Methods Store Profile Manage My VAs Payout MethodNEW Favorite Sellers Email Preferences Purchase History Sales & Earnings Sales Tax Settings all of the necessary steps to begin you have been a big blessing! thanks again

[@BeccaDavis]

Hi! I don’t have a video on those things but maybe I’ll look into it

[@trishgrabowski790]

Is it okay too use youtube and credit it to the channel

[@gigirivera1]

Becca, do I need to cite encyclopedias if I write about a past event or historical person and sell it in a product? For example, if I write a bio about Martin Luther King, and add comprehension questions about him in a product, do I need to cite the encyclopedia I’m using? Anyone know?

[@BeccaDavis]

I'm not a citation expert but I would say yes. When in doubt, cite it.

[@marycall321]

Any thoughts or insight on products being sold using a book title? I see so many novel units using the actual book title in the product listing. The rules can start getting blurry!

[@jessicapenley3599]

I’ve been wondering about this too. I’ve contacted a few publishers to ask for permission and so far they have all said no.

[@jessicaboyle5881]

Thanks for sharing the websites for free stock photos. I am wondering if you have any websites that have free clipart photos? Thanks!

[@BeccaDavis]

That’s a great question buuut I haven’t looked. I get all my clip art from TPT. Etsy has some too but nothings free on Etsy (it doesn’t allow you to do things free)

[@yogamatfrench1690]

Thanks for the video! I am curious...Are you allowed to sell worksheets / ppts (that you create) that go along with a specific textbook?

[@BeccaDavis]

I would steer away from anything too close to a textbook, and would not say that they come from that textbook.

[@jamiemueller1881]

Thanks so much; I do think there is WAY too much confusion about this and frankly too many people post lectures /tutorials that obfuscate rather than clarify. I just read a blog where a man said you cannot name a character or a title, especially for a children's book. With all due respect, how thewould anyone be able to teach anything if this were true?! Now it's just confused me. Honestly, I started to open a shop a few years ago, but became so anxiety ridden about this aspect that I haven't put up a single item, even though I know it's 100% my work. But what about quoting a passage from a book? What about quoting from the actual AP archive, which is free on line, so it would seem like a no-brainer that you can, but then I come across YT videos or blogs which just confuse me. Is there a resource that clearly addresses all of these issues in clear, plain language? Does anyone have other tips? Many thanks!

[@BeccaDavis]

Ummm I would love one but I don’t know of one. The free/not free doesn’t matter as much as the terms of use. Is it royalty free? Is it copyrighted? How much of it are you using? I wish I knew enough to be of more help

[@timd.9778]

Thanks for the video, I create my own art ... is there something I must do to protect my own art and products from being stolen?

[@BeccaDavis]

Make sure you have a terms of use laying out what people are allowed to do with it (or not do with it) and include it with your art

[@timd.9778]

@@BeccaDavis by including it with my art do you mean I should have a copyright@ located somewhere on each individual page .. ?

[@SydneFaith]

Thank you so much for all your help! I was wondering when you get stock images from the websites you listed even though they are free to use. Do you list it on the credit page? If so do you do the website?

[@BeccaDavis]

When you download them they’ll give you a link that you can copy

[@ANDREARODRIGUEZ-xc4nf]

Thank you so much for this video.... I just have a question, I hope you see this... Can I use canva's fonts to sell on TPT?

[@BeccaDavis]

You can check out Canva’s terms of use: www.canva.com/policies/terms-of-use/

[@debbiebayani]

I really liked your video. Question on copyrights for words. Say that I'm using a textbook like a history book and I pull out vocabulary words from that chapter to make my own worksheets. I would assume that it would be okay because I am not referencing the textbook and there is no copyright on words correct? Thanks!

[@BeccaDavis]

I would not copy their definition but words are just words

[@tiffanyplatt301]

If I add another TpT link that takes users to that product, is that legit? For example if there is a resource I like and have used, can I put that link in my product?

[@tiffanyplatt301]

This way if they want to use it, they have to buy it from that person

[@sandraciummelli1343]

Hi Becca Thank you so much for this information! I had a question regarding pexels; under their terms of use it says under what is not allowed "Don't sell unaltered copies of a photo or video, e.g. as a poster, print or on a physical product without modifying it first." Does this mean if I change it, like cropping it, then I can use it? Thank you so much for your reply in advance!

[@BeccaDavis]

That just means don't sell that photo. If you are using it, you want to use it as part of your resource. There needs to be things that you have done-- so if the photo is in your Google Slides or something like that. But you can't sell the picture by itself.

[@taylormoss8944]

Do you know the rules on using song lyrics?

[@BeccaDavis]

It’s going to depend on which song lyrics but it’s a touchy subject so look up the individual song.

[@sanjivtalwar8290]

Thanks for the video , highly informative ! One question plz - after choosing a TPT store name , can we simply type "copyright store name" on all the resources or is there a proper way to register for copyright first and after the entire process , we become eligible to do so ? Would your reply apply to all the countries or the rule varies from country to country coz I live in Canada. Thanks.

[@BeccaDavis]

I don't know about the Canadian rules, but at least in the US, when you make something, it belongs to you. You can put copyright of.... and the year on all of your stuff. You can also copyright your products, but it's a big effort, so I would only do that if you have a core product line that is really popular AND people are trying to steal it and sell it themselves. If you have repeated problems with a product, that's when you would want to actually go through the copyright process.

[@sanjivtalwar8290]

Thanks for the prompt reply , all is clear in my mind about that.In your opinion , is adding copyright better or just putting a store logo on each page of the resource would also do the same ? Thanks.

[@rileyeagle670]

So can I use free Canvas clip art in my designs and post it on TPT?

[@BeccaDavis]

Canva has been flip floppy on their TOU so I would not use them in my TPT products. You can look at their TOU here www.canva.com/policies/terms-of-use/

[@Yoselyn2Pau]

Hi Becca. Thank you for making this video. I am a history teacher interested in creating a TPT account. My question is about including primary/secondary documents (speeches, excerpts from documents, political cartoons, etc) into the resources that I would sell, which I have seen so many other history teacher TPT accounts do. Do you have any insight on the regulations/rules about using them in stuff you sell? Thank you.

[@BeccaDavis]

I don't have a great answer for this. My thought would be that if it is public domain, then it should be ok. If you have specific questions, you could google "___ speech copyright" and if someone has a copyright, you should be able to find it quickly. The other thing you could do is link to documents posted by other people is you aren't sure. This way you aren't breaking copyright in case it does!

[@sofiazidar1534]

Hi Yoselyn. I actually have the same doubt. Have you found a solution? thanks!

[@mayradavila6145]

What if I want to do an activity for a book I want the kids to read ? Would it fall under copyright?

[@BeccaDavis]

Yes, you'll need to make sure you have permission to use anything in it.

[@amyhaskins9796]

How do you get that permission and do you include that you got permission somewhere in the product?

[@adrianahurtado9870]

You can use free canva stock photos on your TPT materials that you can sell?

[@BeccaDavis]

Yes! And according to Canva’s website you don’t even have to credit them.

[@helenalee4267]

Is that the same with Pexel?

[@sarahc7572]

Is there anything you need to do to copyright your own work other than having terms of use in your product?

[@BeccaDavis]

No, but I suggest putting your name and year at the bottom in small letters so that if someone prints it out it shows where it comes from.

[@katybrown1673]

How about KZbin videos?

[@BeccaDavis]

What about KZbin videos?

[@katybrown1673]

Can you put them in your lesson PowerPoint slides to sell? I’m guessing no without permission from the person who made it? Also... do you write the copyright symbol © And your name at the bottom of each resource?

[@merakidancecompany]

Katy Brown wondering as well

[@aronrrustemaj]

@@katybrown1673 so basically if you have downloaded the video and inserted it as a MP4 for example, you would have to have text to say who filmed the video or where the video is from. If your linking the video than that's absolutely fine.

[@heatherbrosey1995]

I am a history teacher and would like to include images of battle formations, maps, etc. Most of these are from a text or history websites. They are not something I could purchase on clip art sites. Am I able to use them and credit the source ? Thank you.

[@BeccaDavis]

Hi! No, you’ll need to make sure they are for commercial use, and you may need to purchase them. You need to have permission to use them.

[@happy1152000]

Hi Becca, I tried to find a similar question, but I couldnt find it. I am creating curriculum for Spanish and I am using canva for the photos. I really dont want to put a year long curriculum out there on the internet that isnt protected by copyright. Because im using Canva photos can I not copyright my work? Would I need to use my own photos? Thanks in advance. I did email canva, but they had not responded

[@BeccaDavis]

Hi! For the canvas issue you can Google Canva terms of use and it’ll pop up with everything you’re allowed and not allowed to do. Do you note that you cannot use the educator account on TpT products or marketing. The educator account is only for use in your classroom or for your school. Everything you create is automatically copyrighted because you created it.

[@RapOperaCentral]

Can you comment on parody and literary criticism with regard to copyright? I parody and do literary criticism of movies and superheroes. Is there any consensus on this in TpT land?

[@BeccaDavis]

I could not find a definitive answer, but here’s a link to an article that gets veeeery deep: corporate.findlaw.com/intellectual-property/parody-fair-use-or-copyright-infringement.html

[@RapOperaCentral]

@@BeccaDavis Wow! Thanks for digging this up! I can't explain how useful and relevant this information is. I'm familiar with the four points of parody/fair use but have never read a court case about a rap parody and how the Supreme Court ruled on its fair use. This literally has answered ALL of my questions about copyright. Thanks again! Becca ftw!

[@ldb85]

If I use Canva Free Graphic, is it fine?

[@BeccaDavis]

Yes, here is Canva's TOU: www.canva.com/policies/terms-of-use/

[@antaniecemcvade3624]

Hey Becca, so if I use canva to make TpT products, would I just post the canva logo at the end of the product? I’m not sure what do after making the worksheet.

[@BeccaDavis]

For copyright? According to their terms of use, you don't have to give credit. If you do, I would put it on a separate page with your info. www.canva.com/policies/terms-of-use/

[@antaniecemcvade3624]

@@BeccaDavis thank you so much for responding!

[@sparkleb2899]

Please please answer :D. I uploaded word document files which were password protected from editing. But when i opened the documents on my phone it allowed me to edit :(... Does only PDF prevent this? Which is the cheapest software to download. Im jobless right now and running out so word seemed good for me... But its apparently not doing the job. Id appreciate any advice 💕 and converting them to jpg or png reduces the quality and makes it blurry.

[@BeccaDavis]

Hi! Yes you’ll need it you need a pdf. I use Adobe it’s like $15 a month. You should be able to click export or save as a pdf under file

[@ForvoQuizlet]

So we can sell products our publicly-funded teaching jobs paid us to create? Sweet!

[@erinstettner1]

Generally not if created on job time. Only if created on your own time. But based on the tone of this post, you already knew that.