Merging multiple articles into one post to avoid copyright issues

[Sburator]

Can I avoid copyright issues if I merge multiple articles (at least 2, let's say), or parts of articles into one pillar post?

Thank you

 

[SirLouen]

There are some legal flaws regarding transformation or derivation and also depend a lot in each country. Since you might be thinking on DMCA and US law (which mainly affect Google), then you should check the Fair Use rulings.
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/fair-use-what-transformative.html

If you copy the exact texts, you may fall into duplicates, because Google algorithm, checks fragments not the whole text. There is an unknown % of what is considered "duplicate", but most people assume at least a 50% of exact match (some may assume less depending how much you fear it).

So if you are thinking on copy pasting in a different order the whole article, be aware that it will be tagged as a duplicate for sure.

 

[Sburator]

If you copy the exact texts, you may fall into duplicates, because Google algorithm, checks fragments not the whole text. There is an unknown % of what is considered "duplicate", but most people assume at least a 50% of exact match (some may assume less depending how much you fear it)..

The texts are 100% original, both checked manually in Google and also with some tools, so there are no SEO problems, only the copyright issues concern me. And to be more specific, I am thinking about merging various expired articles, some fragments from books (books that don't appear in Google Books) into one pillar post and doing some minor (by minor I mean only some Grammarly correction) edits. So no indexed texts as sources.

Thank you

 

[SirLouen]

In regard to Books and expired articles you won't have any SEO issues and they will rank if they have good content, but you may face a DMCA complaint for both the book or the expired article if the original author detects this. In that case, you page will be delisted from Google ranks. It's unlikely, but possible.

 

[Sburator]

(...) you may face a DMCA complaint for both the book or the expired article if the original author detects this. In that case, you page will be delisted from Google ranks (...).

Thank you very much for your answer. I suppose I will receive a warning or something like that before being delisted.

 

[Coastline17]

Thank you very much for your answer. I suppose I will receive a warning or something like that before being delisted.

What country are you in? Is there any identifying information on your site as to your personal location?
Most likely isn't worth the possibility of being delisted. It would be best to modify the articles enough to the point that you can claim them as your own.

 

[Sburator]

What country are you in? Is there any identifying information on your site as to your personal location?
Most likely isn't worth the possibility of being delisted. It would be best to modify the articles enough to the point that you can claim them as your own.

Well, I am in Europe, but my website is targeting mainly the US, and also all the other English speaking countries. And no, there is no information about me and my location; just an about me page with some stuff about the niche mostly, and a contact page with a contact form.

Thank you

 

[Coastline17]

Seems pretty good. If they were going to take serious action beyond a copyright claim they would have to have someway of locating you otherwise they would have to spend alot to serve you via publication.

Depending on the quality of the articles, I would hire a writer here. Also depends on word count, but that just me playing it safe. Best of luck mate!