How to create a TpT copyright page
As an educator and content creator on Teachers Pay Teachers (TpT), it's essential to protect your hard work and intellectual property. One important way to do this is by creating a copyright page for your TpT resources. In the TpT world, we call this a “Terms of Use” page.
It’s a lot less terrifying than it sounds, I’ll walk you through it.
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The Importance of a TpT Copyright Page
First things first, what IS a copyright page? A copyright page is a legal notice that establishes you as the owner of the content you create, and gives your clients guidelines on how your resources can be used. It is also referred to as a Terms of Use page.
This is how you can tell your buyers that they can’t share your resource online as if it’s their own.
Most teachers are not malicious about sharing your resources, and might not even realize what they’re doing is against your copyright, or terms of use.
But with this document on all of your products, you’ll be able to clearly tell them the dos and don’ts of your products.
Why are they crucial to include on all of your products?
Terms of Use Pages Protect Your Intellectual Property
A TpT copyright page allows you to assert your rights as the creator of the content. It notifies others that your resources are protected under copyright law and establishes your ownership.
This helps prevent others from using your materials without permission, and gives you legal recourse in case of infringement.
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A Copyright Page Establishes Terms of Use
Including a copyright page on TpT sets clear usage guidelines for your resources. You can specify whether your materials are for personal or commercial use, whether they can be modified or shared, and any other terms you want to enforce.
This clarity ensures that your resources are used appropriately and helps buyers understand the permissions granted to them.
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How to Create a TpT Copyright Page
A lot of teachers get scared easily when it comes to creating the copyright page for their TpT shop.
I don’t want this to happen to you! So here are some steps you’ll need to take to create yours.
Determine the Copyright Year
The first step is to determine the copyright year for your TpT resource. Typically, this is the year in which you created or published the resource. Include the copyright symbol (©), followed by the year, and your name or username.
Example: © 2023 [Your Name or Username]
When updating a product, keep the same year, because this is the time that it was CREATED, so you have your copyright from the time you created it, not from the time it was updated.
Specify All Rights Reserved
On your copyright page, make it clear that all rights to the content are reserved. You can use the phrase “All Rights Reserved” to convey this message. This statement reinforces your ownership and tells others that they cannot use your materials without proper authorization.
Outline Permissible Uses
Specify the permissible uses of your TpT resources. This section can outline whether your materials can be used for personal or commercial purposes, whether modifications are allowed, and if sharing is permitted.
Be clear and concise in stating the permissions granted to the buyers of your resources.
I like to put “you may” and “you may not” as the headings to show what is allowed and not allowed, which tells users in no uncertain terms what they may do, and what they may not do with your products.
I have a great guide for how to set up a TpT store.
Provide Contact Information
Include your contact information on the copyright page to make it easier for others to reach out to you.
This can include your email address, website, or social media handles.
By providing your contact information, you encourage your audience to contact you if they have questions, and allow users to ask permission for something that’s not exactly in your terms, or something they’re unsure of.
I love to include my social media handles as well to allow them to follow me if they’re interested.
Credit Your Clip Artists
When you buy clip art (or fonts) from TpT, most of the time the terms of use will state that you need to include their logo and a link to their store on your terms of use.
I have a page I copy and paste onto each of my products with my terms of use, and my top five most used clip artists are already included, this way I rarely have to change them out.
Another important step to using clip art is flattening your PDF, meaning you make each page into an image and add it back into the PDF. This protects your work as well as the clip artists.
I have more information about crediting your clip artists in this post.
Can I Use Images from Google for TpT?
When you’re creating your resources for your personal classroom, it’s easy to just use images from Google. That’s personal use, and totally fine.
But when you put that same product up for sale on TpT, that’s considered commercial use, and the difference is . . . You need to have permission.
While there are millions of images available through Google's search, not all of them are free to use. Most images found through Google search are protected by their own copyright and may require permission from the original creators or proper licensing for commercial use.
To make sure you’re using all images legally, have a few reputable sources that you can rely on for your images that have very clear terms of use for commercial use.
I personally use Creative Fabrica a lot, as well as clip artists from TpT. When you’re deciding which art to use on your products, read and obey terms of use and licensing agreements to avoid potential legal issues, and safeguard your work.
FAQs about TpT Copyright Pages
Do I need a copyright page for every resource I create on TpT?
Yes, it's recommended to include a copyright page in every resource you create on TpT. This ensures that your ownership is clearly established and that users understand the permitted uses of your materials.
Can I use copyrighted materials in my TpT resources?
Generally, it's best to avoid using copyrighted materials in your TpT resources unless you have obtained proper permission from the copyright holder. To safeguard yourself, focus on creating original content or using resources that explicitly allow educational or commercial use.
Should I register my TpT resources with the U.S. Copyright Office?
While copyright protection is automatically granted upon creation of your work, registering your resources with the U.S. Copyright Office provides additional legal benefits. It allows you to seek statutory damages and attorney's fees in case of copyright infringement. Consider consulting a legal professional for advice on registering your most valuable resources.
Can I update my copyright page in previously published resources?
Yes, you can update your copyright page in previously published resources. It's important to keep your copyright information accurate and up to date. You can create an updated version of the resource with the revised copyright page and notify your customers about the update.
What if someone infringes my copyright on TpT?
If you discover someone infringing your copyright on TpT, you can follow the platform's infringement reporting process. TpT has mechanisms in place to address copyright concerns and take appropriate action against infringing users.
Are TpT copyright pages legally binding?
While a TpT copyright page establishes your ownership and usage terms, it's important to note that it may not be legally binding in itself. However, it serves as a clear indication of your intent to protect your work and can be used as evidence in case of copyright disputes.
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