Forum Moderators: not2easy
I was planning to take press releases from 'Company A Widgets', 'Company B' Widgets' and so on, then reprint in my industry magazine.
Any advice is appreciated. I've tried emailing the firms direct but receive no response.
So, reality lies somewhere between these two poles. The best thing to do is get permission to reprint - that will cover you 100%. Chances are that even if you don't get permission, if your site is relevant and non-competitive, you'll be OK. Better safe than sorry, though.
Most publications rewrite press releases to add their own spin and eliminate hyperbole. One advantage from an SEO standpoint is that by rewriting you can also optimize the headings, text, etc.
So if I didnt get permission, what do you think wise steps would be for me to take if reprinting the releases?
e.g) disclaimer stating I have no relationship to the company, and any copywrited pages can be taken off if requested?
Or could I still legally come up against problems, regardless of this?
Thanks,
Nick
So if I didnt get permission, what do you think wise steps would be for me to take if reprinting the releases?
I certainly would not worry about getting permission to reprint a press release that you get directly from a company (unless the release specifically tell you that it can't be reproduced - which I have never seen). Getting their message out is the reason for the release. They want you to reprint the information! They are usually begging us to do so.
One thing you should not do is go to any of the major wire or press release services to get the release. These are commerical services and you generally must pay to obtain press release from them. Go directly to the company (or their website) to get the releases.
...unless the release specifically tell you that it can't be reproduced...
That's not how copyright works. The owner retains all rights unless he/she explicitly says otherwise.
So you're better off asking for permission. If they want it distributed further, they'll say yes.
That's not how copyright works. The owner retains all rights unless he/she explicitly says otherwise.
You are missing the point. By definition a press release is a document that is designed to make available to the public and the “press” information the company WANTS you, as a news outlet, to publish. And public relations people always prefers that the release be printed as they write it because they then control the message.
Do you really think every trade rag gets specific permission before they publish a press release?
As I said, if indeed the PR firm wants additional distribution beyond what themselves have provided, then they will certainly say yes when asked.
If they have already distributed it to the extent they deem proper, they will probably not appreciate someone spreading it beyond their target audience.
