Launching a new online course, or any product, can feel like a leap into the unknown at times.

How will it be received? Will it transform lives?

Will anyone actually buy it? Gulp.

These are the kind of thoughts that can keep many online course creators stuck: too nervous to release their course into the world or to promote it once it is out there.

Imposter syndrome, anyone?

But what happens after you do hit Publish and your content is now visible to the world?

Even when you put your nerves about launching your online course aside, you may also be concerned that someone else could copy the content of your course.

Who might copy your course?

It could be a student that has purchased your course or even a competitor in your industry. Regardless of who the copycat is, we know it is unethical and immoral.

But, is it illegal?

As we know, copycats do unfortunately exist in both the online and the offline world and as much as we don’t want to consider that copying is a potential risk, it is. It’s also a risk we can get ahead of even before we launch our first online product.

Additionally, potential copycats should not be another reason to stay ‘stuck’ and prevent you from releasing your online course.

Think back to the reason for putting this course together in the first place. What drove you to compile this content and how many lives will it potentially transform?

There are also some very practical steps you can take to protect your IP and prevent someone else from ripping off your course and online content.

Where do you begin?

The best place to start is to nail these 3 things:

1. Terms of Use for your website;

2. Your Privacy Policy; and

3. your online course terms and conditions (or Ts & Cs).

The Ts & Cs make sure your intellectual property (or copyright) is protected as well as protect you around disclaimers and payment and various other things.

Copyright

In Australia, copyright protection comes from The Copyright Act 1968. Under the Copyright Act, it is the protection of the original expression of ideas. . It enables creators to manage how their content is used and claim both copyright and moral rights in the content. You have copyright protection automatically under the Act when you put your content out there - but you should remember that (c) in a circle to claim that right.

Trademark

You should also consider trademarking your brand and any other items able to be protected such as logos. You can find out more about trademarks over at IP Australia. A trademark identifies your unique product or service.

In the event that a copycat tries their luck at stealing your content, or something else goes wrong, your Ts & Cs will give you the peace of mind to know your interests are protected and there are steps you can take to stop them and put things right. It won’t stop someone trying to steal your content, but it will mean you can enforce their actions by suing them or taking action to restrain them.

How to protect yourself

Being inspired by your course is one thing, but copying is something else entirely. That’s a no-go area and you are within your rights to protect what is yours.Therefore, it’s especially important to take the time up front to get your website terms and your online course Ts & Cs right and ensure the relevant aspects of your business, content and digital products are covered.

This is where I come in – because I fully understand how distressing it could be for you if a course copycat attempts to steal your IP content that you’ve likely worked tirelessly to create.

Of course, even in the most niche online space, new competitors could come along eventually who are offering a similar product to you. We must always be looking for new ways to stand out from the crowd, be innovative and have a unique point of difference.

Your next steps

If you’re planning to launch an online course, or have an online product offering available but are yet to get your Ts & Cs sorted, get ahead of the risk of copying by protecting your IP.

Having the right terms and conditions in place can protect you, should things go wrong. You can book an obligation free chat with me or find our online course terms and conditions template here ready for immediate download.

Contact Emma Heuston to arrange a consult now at https://readytobosslegal.com/contact and get a bonus Facebook Group Rules with online course terms and conditions by mentioning this blog!