Rephrasing Then Make It Your Own

Discussion in 'Copywriting' started by rjames, Dec 19, 2007.

  1. #1
    Is it okay if I will rephrase an article and then consider that as my original article? I mean I will completely changed the way the article has been written but the whole thought is just the same. Will I be infringe doing that?
     
    rjames, Dec 19, 2007 IP
  2. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #2
    No, it's not. It's a violation of copyright law. No one has the right to edit and republish an article but the copyright holder.

    From the US Copyright Office:
     
    jhmattern, Dec 19, 2007 IP
  3. godofwriting

    godofwriting Banned

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    #3
    RJ, rewording somebody's article does not make it yours. The fact remains that you stole it and if somebody proves you took the content from another, you're in for some serious legal paperwork... I really suggest you either do your own homework and write some fresh content or shell out what you need to to get a decent writer.

    Maybe you can get away with stealing content most of the time but once people realize you're just regurgitating material available elsewhere, you're career and reputation are going to take a downward spiral.

    Cheers
     
    godofwriting, Dec 19, 2007 IP
  4. rjames

    rjames Guest

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    #4
    Thanks for the tips guys. I have written some articles already but not edited from another article.

    How about if I am working in a company that makes me write articles? When I submit the articles, its their property already. Can I still use that article of mine to post in another company? Maybe I should ask my company about this. But what are thoughts about this?
     
    rjames, Dec 20, 2007 IP
  5. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #5
    That depends on your contract. If you signed over the copyright, you can't use that content again at all without their permission. You should be making rights clear before submitting anything.
     
    jhmattern, Dec 20, 2007 IP
  6. rjames

    rjames Guest

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    #6
    So you mean if I place a right on that article, then I could send or sell it again to another company, is that right? Well, I have talk with my company and they told me that it is their article for I am just like an employee of theirs. But what about intelligent property rights, I'm really sure to call it but I think you got my point.
     
    rjames, Dec 21, 2007 IP
  7. jhmattern

    jhmattern Illustrious Member

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    #7
    If you're an employee, it's theirs. If you're a freelancer, then you're not the same as an employee, and the rules are different. For them to get full copyright, it generally has to be agreed to (a copyright assignment, work-for-hire agreement, or even an email stating it). It also depends on how the work was commissioned, in that if they took it to court it might be deemed a work-for-hire anyway, meaning they would have the rights. Don't assume you have the rights, whether you're the buyer or seller. Just get everything in writing, and you won't have to worry about it.
     
    jhmattern, Dec 21, 2007 IP