Why do Social media Influencers Need to Understand Intellectual Property?

We are living in an age when platforms like Snapchat have become the mainstream. Podcasts are now a part of our daily routines. And the process of shopping begins with videos on Instagram. As a result, the way brands interact, connect, and more importantly, market their products is changing rapidly.

The digital marketplace is becoming increasingly crowded with brands from a varied range of domains. And one way to be heard above the crowd is by collaborating with social media influencers.

Wait. Who are social media influencers?

Social media influencers are people who have built a reputation and credibility on social media for their knowledge and expertise on a specific topic. In other words, if you create content, build some sort of a community on social media, and over time, people begin to listen to what they have to say, you are a social media influencer.

This process is gradual and often tedious. But there is no doubt that for social media influencers, purposeful content is key.

But why are social media influencers important?

Did you know that almost 40 percent of consumers are now constituted by the Gen Z, i.e. people between the ages of 16 and 26? And these consumers spend a substantial amount of time of their days on social media scrolling through content, creating some of their own, and uncovering sources of inspiration.

They tend to follow social media influencers pretty religiously. So, the key to capturing the attention of these Gen Z consumers is for brands to collaborate with social media influencers.

As an influencer, you are able to capture the attention of a large group of people (which is quite a feat these days) through your content. Therefore, it is necessary to protect your most valuable assets, i.e. your content.

Let’s get to the point already. Where does intellectual property come in?

As an influencer, you generate a substantial amount of intellectual property on a daily basis. This includes the posts, videos, and stories that you create in collaboration with commercial brands and for the establishment of your personal brand.

If you are a purposeful influencer, you’re likely to know how important content is. Your main source of income depends on this content that you create. And relatable content is the means to grow. That’s why it becomes imperative for you to understand their intellectual property rights and how you can gain intellectual property protection.

So, why is it important to understand intellectual property law?

Since the whole point of being an influencer is to create relatable content that reaches as many potential consumers as possible, it is detrimental and quite possibly impossible to restrict the reach of content.

And these days, information circulates across platforms, from one community to another. So, the only way that you can protect your IP is by being aware of your rights. Knowing the intellectual property law is likely to give you an edge over the others in multiple ways:

• If you know about the different types of intellectual property protection that you can gain, you’ll be able to very clearly establish ownership. So, for instance, you can protect all your creations through copyright protection. This includes photographs, videos, text, art, audio recordings, cinematograph films, and other original creations. Your brand, on the other hand, can be protected through trademark protection.
• Establishing firm ownership goes a long way in discouraging potential infringers. If you register your IP, add disclaimers and/or watermarks, other creators might not be tempted to misuse your original creations. And even if they do infringe, you will be eligible to sue them for the damage.
• Gaining IP protection also lends credibility to your image. It shows potential clients that you are dedicated to your role as an influencer and that people know you and your brand. An influencer with a recognisable brand always appeals more to brand managers.
• If you know the boundaries and range of your intellectual property, you are less likely to infringe upon some other creator’s IP. This lets you avoid a lengthy legal battle, plus a loss of your brand credibility that would result if you were to infringe on someone else’s IP.

Key Takeaway

If there is one point for influencers to remember, it’s that you should understand intellectual property and how it functions in the digital space, so that you can effectively leverage your intellectual property rights, protect your IP from getting stolen, and at the same time avoid infringing on someone else’s IP.

And it is always a good idea to consult an expert at every step of your journey so that you can effectively secure your intellectual property.

As a leading IP law firm in Ahmedabad-India, we ensure that our experienced attorneys at Parker and Parker Co. LLP efficiently assist you through all steps of IP protection. In case of infringements, we conduct thorough analysis of the infringement situation and formulate appropriate action-based plans depending on the case. Our services also include litigation related procedures as well as sending cease and desist letters to those infringing upon your rights.