Your web site, like your department or office, is part of a larger organization that has interests and liabilities tied to the content you publish. More importantly, state and federal regulations apply to what you can do on a web site.

Your site needs to play by the rules. Not doing so can bring legal risk to the university, injure Emory's reputation or reduce the effectiveness of the university's brand. Take this seriously.

Copyright

Make sure that you either created or have acquired legal (written) copyright to everything you post on your web site. Confirm and use credits online for materials you did not create. For example, the right to use photos online may need to be negotiated separately from print usage. Be sure before you post.

On the web, copyright is among the most important regulations to follow. Do not assume that because Emory is an educational institution, content on our web site is exempt under the "fair use" provisions of copyright case law. Do not believe anyone who tells you that because Emory is a nonprofit institution, it's OK to use copyrighted material on university web sites. These ideas are simply wrong and have already caused significant problems for individuals and departments, as well as expense for the university.

"Fair use" provisions are very narrow and often unclear. Generally, fair use applies only to libraries (in certain contexts) and to material used temporarily in directly teaching a class. Fair use DOES NOT cover most material on Emory's web sites. Lack of profit is also no protection.

Please refer to the copyright page on the main university site for additional information.

Trademarks

Emory University's name, logos, mascots and other assets, such as domain names, are legal trademarks. Using them improperly dilutes the university's brand and reputation. Use of unauthorized trademarks is also illegal. Be sure you understand the polices governing use of the university's trademarks.

DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION to anyone outside the university to use Emory trademarks, or for any purpose not endorsed or sponsored by the university. Do not allow use of the university trademarks in directories, client lists, portfolios or "credits" on unauthorized sites. Other organizations need written permission from an authorized agent of the university before displaying or selling anything bearing an Emory trademark.

If you have questions about proper use of trademarks, contact the university brand manager.