How to Respond to Plagiarism

By bizewriter

How to address plagiarism and copyright infringement. How to address plagiarism and copyright infringement.

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Plagiarism and copyright violations run rampant on the Internet. It is far too easy to do, often just a matter of copy and paste. While some forms of plagiarism are not as overt, or involve non-written works, often it includes copying content verbatim. The good news is that many Internet companies have a low tolerance for the practice and individuals can respond to plagiarism effectively.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Search engine knowledge
  • Copy of the DMCA
  • Copyscape or alternative

Respond to Plagiarism and Get Results

Step1
Check for plagiarism regularly via websites such as Copyscape.com (see Resources below) and set up Google alerts on your name or key phrases in your content. Some individuals leave bylines in tact, believing that it is enough to ward off copyright complaints.
Step2
Example Whois report and what to look for. Look at the source of the offending website and try to determine the Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISPs may remove a website involved in plagiarism or take other effective action. To find the source, visit a domain name registrar, such as NetworkSolutions.com and use the “Whois” function for information. Make note of the “Nameservers” so that you can contact the responsible website host.
Step3
Notice the advertising on the website and try to determine its source. Google Adsense, for instance, is clearly identified by name. Most advertisers will suspend or terminate accounts when plagiarism or copyright violation is involved.
Step4
Complain effectively to the right parties in the right order. First, send a firm but unemotional response to the offending party. Include claim of ownership and request prompt removal of the copyrighted material. This alone may prompt the individual to act quickly. Sometimes people are unaware that material is copyrighted or believe it is protected under “Fair Use.” Others will fear losing their revenue capability.
Step5
Send a follow-up letter of intent if needed. Should this fail, report plagiarism or copyright violations to the offender's ISP and advertisers, if available. Notify these companies of your efforts at resolution. Prepare for a delayed response on large sites containing many blogs, and send additional notices of complaint every 5 to 7 days.
Step6
Understand your rights with regard to copyright and educate yourself on the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Additionally, while artistic works are copyrighted without registration, legal recourse is limited. See if it is worthwhile to register your works with the U.S. Copyright Office.

Photo/Video Credit

© Norman Chan - Fotolia.com (License Granted)

Comments

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PattyOh said

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on 2/17/2008 This is very useful. Thanks!

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on 2/12/2008 Great information. I still don't have Google alerts set up yet, but have found one of my artiles in a blog.

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on 5/3/2008 Unfortunately, in this e-age, plagiarism is a fact of life. I fight it when I can, but I also have learned to just live with it.

For writers, creation is a must. When someone steals my stuff, I still know that most of my material gets crdited. JRIingrisano

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on 4/30/2008 I would love to know of an alternative to copyscape. They only let you do around 10 searches per month. Im sure there are free ones out there somewhere

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on 4/30/2008 I would love to know of an alternative to copyscape. They only let you do around 10 searches per month. Im sure there are free ones out there somewhere

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eHow Article:  How to Respond to Plagiarism

eHow Member: bizewriter

bizewriter

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Category: Legal

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