A definition – Copyright: The legal right granted to an author, composer, playwright, publisher, or distributor to exclusive publication, production, sale, or distribution of a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work.

If something is produced by someone, such as an artist or photographer, and it is copyrighted, we run the risk of having to pay if we publish it online or in the print edition without the permission of the person holding the copyright.

Some organizations pay for the right to have access to copyrighted material but the right to use it might be limited – such as using it for personal use only and not to be reproduced in publications such as magazines or newspapers.

We, as well as local organizations and individuals, must be diligent in knowing whether something taken from the internet, can or cannot be used. We – our three newspapers – have run into situations where copyrighted material was published and we were threatened with legal backlash. A couple of photographs we published were received from organizations who were either not informed that they were copyrighted or were not adhering to the fine print of their contract in purchasing the right to use the photograph.

We need to be very careful about using copyrighted material and we are asking area organizations and individuals to be sure that any photo or graphic they submit with or without a press release that it is free to use by submitting a written OK for access and publication from the producer of the material.

There are businesses out there looking for such violations of copyright and we hope that everyone adheres to and learns about the copyright laws.

Our newspapers are copyrighted and any reuse of what we publish must be approved by the publisher and/or editors.