Copyright Mistakes to Avoid: Protecting Your Comic and Respecting Others
Avoid copyright errors that put your comic at risk. Learn intellectual property basics for webtoon, manga, and visual novel creators.
Copyright confusion causes real problems—pulled chapters, legal threats, lost income, and destroyed work. Most creators aren’t lawyers, but understanding basic intellectual property concepts prevents costly mistakes. This guide covers common copyright errors and how to avoid them.
Note: This guide provides general information, not legal advice. For specific situations, consult an attorney in your jurisdiction.
Using Art You Don’t Have Rights To
The mistake
Including images, photos, or artwork in your comic that you found online but don’t have permission to use. Even as backgrounds or references.
Why it happens
Easy access creates assumption of permission. Not understanding copyright defaults. “I found it on Google” thinking.
The fix
- Copyright exists automatically—finding something doesn’t grant rights
- Create your own assets or use properly licensed materials
- “Free to use” isn’t the same as “no restrictions”
- When in doubt, create original or license properly
Misunderstanding Fair Use
The mistake
Believing that parody, criticism, or non-commercial use automatically makes any borrowing legal. Fair use is far narrower than most creators assume.
Why it happens
Misinterpreting fair use doctrine. Wishful thinking about what’s allowed. Internet myths about copyright.
The fix
- Fair use is a legal defense, not automatic permission
- It considers purpose, nature, amount, and market impact
- Commercial work has less fair use latitude
- Parody isn’t automatic protection
- When uncertain, don’t use
Using Popular Music
The mistake
Including copyrighted song lyrics, sheet music, or references to specific songs in your comic, especially webtoons with musical themes.
Why it happens
Music is cultural reference. Not realizing lyrics are copyrighted. Assuming brief quotes are fine.
The fix
- Song lyrics are copyrighted, even brief quotes
- Music publishers actively enforce
- Create original lyrics or use public domain
- Reference without quoting if you must mention songs
Trademarked References
The mistake
Including recognizable brand names, logos, or product designs without permission. Characters drinking from obviously Starbucks cups, wearing Nike swooshes.
Why it happens
Realism in settings. Not thinking about trademark. Assuming logos are just decorative.
The fix
- Change recognizable brands to fictional versions
- Parody has more latitude but isn’t absolute
- Generic products avoid the problem entirely
- When including real brands, understand the risk
Not Registering Your Copyright
The mistake
Believing your comic is protected without formal registration. While copyright exists automatically, registration provides significant additional benefits.
Why it happens
Assuming automatic protection is sufficient. Registration seems like bureaucracy. Not valuing formal protection.
The fix
- Registration enables statutory damages and attorney fees in lawsuits
- Register before infringement occurs for maximum protection
- Registration is relatively affordable
- In the US, use copyright.gov; other countries have equivalent systems
Ignoring Work-for-Hire Implications
The mistake
Not understanding that work created for others might not belong to you, or hiring collaborators without clear IP agreements.
Why it happens
Assuming creators own what they create. Not reading contracts. Informal arrangements.
The fix
- Work-for-hire rules vary by country
- Contracts can assign rights in either direction
- Commission agreements should address ownership
- Both parties should know who owns what
Derivative Work Without Permission
The mistake
Creating fan comics, unofficial sequels, or derivative works of copyrighted properties without understanding legal risks.
Why it happens
Fan culture normalizes derivative work. Platforms hosting fan content. Assumption that non-commercial is safe.
The fix
- Derivative works require permission from rights holders
- Tolerance isn’t the same as permission
- Rights holders can enforce at any time
- Original work is safest; licensed work second
Creative Commons Confusion
The mistake
Using Creative Commons licensed work without following license requirements—forgetting attribution, using non-commercial licenses commercially, modifying no-derivatives work.
Why it happens
Assuming all CC licenses are the same. Not reading specific license terms.
The fix
- CC licenses have different requirements
- BY requires attribution
- NC prohibits commercial use
- ND prohibits derivatives
- SA requires sharing under same license
- Read the specific license before using
Not Protecting Your Own Work
The mistake
Failing to watermark, register, or otherwise protect original work, making it easier for others to steal or harder to prove ownership.
Why it happens
Assuming nobody would steal it. Not knowing protection options. Focus on creation over protection.
The fix
- Watermark work you share publicly
- Keep dated records of creation
- Register significant works
- Protection is easier before problems occur
Platform Terms Confusion
The mistake
Not understanding what rights you grant platforms when you upload. Some platforms claim extensive licenses to your work.
Why it happens
Terms of service are long and complex. Assuming platforms only need hosting rights.
The fix
- Read IP clauses in platform terms
- Know what license you’re granting
- Some platforms claim more than hosting rights
- Choose platforms with terms you accept
Character Similarity Issues
The mistake
Creating characters too similar to existing copyrighted characters, risking infringement claims even without direct copying.
Why it happens
Influence becomes accidental copying. Not checking for similarities. Genre conventions.
The fix
- Research existing characters in your space
- Change similar elements proactively
- Multiple significant differences reduce risk
- Unique combinations are safer than familiar archetypes
AI-Generated Content Uncertainty
The mistake
Using AI-generated images without understanding the unclear copyright status and potential claims from training data.
Why it happens
AI tools are accessible and easy. Copyright status genuinely unclear. Assuming tools handle rights.
The fix
- AI copyright law is rapidly evolving and unsettled
- Training data may create claims
- Use AI as reference rather than final art for now
- Follow developments in AI and copyright
Public Domain Misunderstanding
The mistake
Assuming works are public domain when they aren’t, or not understanding that different elements have different status.
Why it happens
Public domain rules are complex. Varies by country and type of work. Myths about age or publication.
The fix
- Public domain rules vary by jurisdiction
- Different editions may have different status
- Characters can have complex status (original vs. later versions)
- Verify before assuming public domain
No Paper Trail
The mistake
Creating with no documentation of your process, making it difficult to prove you’re the original creator if disputes arise.
Why it happens
Documentation seems unnecessary. Focus on creating, not recording.
The fix
- Keep dated work-in-progress files
- Email yourself backups as dated proof
- Screenshot significant milestones
- Documentation is cheap insurance
International Complexity Ignored
The mistake
Assuming your country’s copyright rules apply everywhere, or not considering that your work is accessible globally.
Why it happens
Local focus. Not understanding international copyright. Internet feels borderless.
The fix
- Copyright is territorial but content is global
- Different rules in different countries
- Enforcement varies by jurisdiction
- Consider your biggest markets
Not Using Contracts
The mistake
Commissioning work or licensing your work without written contracts, leaving terms open to dispute.
Why it happens
Informal arrangements feel friendlier. Contracts seem like overkill for small transactions.
The fix
- Written contracts protect both parties
- Even simple agreements should be documented
- Templates exist for common scenarios
- Contract now prevents dispute later
Getting Started with Multic
Collaboration creates unique IP challenges—who owns what when multiple creators contribute? Multic provides structured frameworks for collaborative ownership, making rights clear from the start rather than something to argue about later.
Copyright isn’t about paranoia—it’s about respecting others’ work and protecting your own. Understanding the basics prevents problems that can derail creative projects entirely.
Related: Collaboration Pitfalls and Platform Choice Mistakes