10 tips to avoid getting sued for copyright infringement

the_demon · Apr 10, 2011

I'm not suggesting you break copyright law but, these are just some basic tips to help you avoid getting into trouble.

1. Add:

Code:

<meta name="robots" content="noarchive">

to your website

2. block ips of copyscape, archive.org, and similar

Robots.txt code

Code:

User-agent: ia_archiver
Disallow: /

3. host files in another country or one that US copyright law (or whatever country you are from) does not apply in
--> or have another server / free host somewhere else hosting the files of concern

4. use robots.txt to block any content which might be copyright
--> Don't allow search engines to index your images or other content.

5. strip digital signatures and water marks
--> PNG Optimizer
--> Copy the image in photoshop save as different file format
--> Make alterations to the image

6. Block TinEye and DigiMark ip addresses

7. Block the lawyers (or person(s) complaining) IP so if he didn't take a screen shot right away he won't be able to in the future and quickly take down the content. Switch servers and trash the old one QUICKLY.

8. Use secure erasing software to destroy any copies on your computer

9. Don't admit fault without first talking to a lawyer

10. Don't go around bragging that you use/used stolen content.

*BONUS* Upload content from proxy so you can deny that you were the one who uploaded the file(s).

*BONUS 2* Use php or similar language to read refer url. If "law" or "lawyer" is in url auto ban there IP. Have it send you an email alert so you can quickly take removal action before they switch ip or referring site. This might prevent them from collecting screen shot evidence if you get there in time.

The obvious ways:
- buy your images, etc.
- use unique content

bertbaby · Apr 10, 2011

Thanks and I take it that you have been down this road before?

the_demon · Apr 10, 2011

No, I haven't I was inspired by another bhw member who got sued for 4K, see the thread in bhw lounge. So I just figured I would offer some useful advice.

hackNstuff · Apr 10, 2011

Other thread:
http://www.blackhatworld.com/blackhat-seo/blackhat-lounge/280423-guy-sued-4-000-over-using-10-pic-sans-permission.html

KHMNTCPR8 · Apr 10, 2011

also would help to register the domain itself off shore with a non-US registrar that has safety from US copyright laws. Maybe sweden? not sure. But this in theory will keep the FTC from being able to simply take control of the domain name itself which happened to several movie websites last year.

i'm thinking about doing this soon, but damn is it worth it??

bertbaby · Apr 10, 2011

For text I'm not sure why you wouldn't cover your tracks by just spinning the text. I hated most spinners but find TBS the most thorough to work with. Images, well that's a whole another matter but that's why there is Photoshop.

audhora · Apr 10, 2011

Thanks for sharing. It was helpful.

the_demon · Apr 18, 2011

@KHMNTCPR8: Yes, having your registrar in another country is a good idea. Preferably an uncommon language or from a country like RU/China, in my experience sending complains to registrars in those countries is a dead end.

@bertbaby: Spinning is a great idea just watch out. Sometimes the spinning itself can create unwanted fingerprints.

*UPDATE*
Here's the link to PNG Optimizer: http://psydk.org/PngOptimizer.php [FREE]

This is another useful link: http://www.cssdrive.com/index.php/main/csscompressor
--> Strip any comments or unique identifiers from borrowed css files is always a good idea.

Great tool for encrypting html code: http://www.voormedia.com/en/tools/html-obfuscate-scrambler.php

Great tool for obfuscating javascript: http://dean.edwards.name/weblog/2007/04/packer3/

[Speed + Obfuscation = WIN] Java Script Compressor: http://javascriptcompressor.com/

blue_wings · Apr 18, 2011

If you are not from USA, then this rules don't apply to you.

I would also suggest you to use servers outside USA. No lawyer will search for those websites that are hosted outside, especially in asian, eastern european or african countries.

kupo · Apr 18, 2011

Oh my god thank you so fffffffing much for this thread. This thread is highly relevant to my current situation.

1) <meta name="robots" content="noarchive">

I already do that on the first day with every website I start.

2. User-agent: ia_archiver
Disallow: /

3. host files in another country or one that US copyright law

Same with these.

6. Block TinEye and DigiMark ip addresses

I just tried googling how to block Tineye's IP. Couldn't find any information. How do you block Tineye and DigiMark's IP addresses?

*BONUS* Upload content from proxy so you can deny that you were the one who uploaded the file(s).

I'm a newbie to proxies. The only experience I have with proxies is tor/vidalia/privoxy/proxifier and I have never used a private proxy before. Tor is very slow when uploading. Can you forward me to a comprehensive proxy thread or somewhere I can buy fast, private proxies from?

*BONUS 2* Use php or similar language to read refer url. If "law" or "lawyer" is in url auto ban there IP. Have it send you an email alert so you can quickly take removal action before they switch ip or referring site. This might prevent them from collecting screen shot evidence if you get there in time.

Damn, I wish I was a better PHP coder. I use PHP but I'm googling right now for a script that does this. Can't find any relevant results. Do you currently have a script I can use that detects "law" in the referrer URL and blocks it?

thevil · Apr 18, 2011

Best tip is to emulate News sites. Register a DMCA agent and allow user submissions.

Otherwise, move your servers offshore or create original content.

Paragone23 · May 4, 2011

"register the domain itself off shore"

Does anyone have recommendations for any offshore domain register???

I am going to use Extrawinner for the hosting..

I just found this site roaming around here... http://yohost.org ... anyone ever use them???

portgaz82 · May 10, 2011

very useful info indeed.. enlightenment for us noobs. thanks!

KHMNTCPR8 · May 11, 2011

Also on the look out for good offshore host. Anyone know of one? Ill give thanks and rep for answers

panoet · May 11, 2011

Nice tips, really great

KHMNTCPR8 · May 11, 2011

Hey the_demon, if I move a domain from godaddy to say a Russian registrar, would that help to protect the domain from seizure? I mean can I do that to move my domain off of US soil?

the_demon · May 18, 2011

Well, icann can step in in certain cases but, it will certainly make it harder to shut you down. RU, Netherlands, Panama, Sweden, China, and Malaysia tend to be the best countries for hosting content that might not be acceptable in the US.

Best Mailing countries: CN/RU/Malaysia
Best Warez: RU/Netherlands/Panama/Sweden

@Kupo: some good proxy services
- hidemyass.com Pro VPN (great pay service)
- TOR (your right, very slow but, it is pretty good. really depends on what your doing)
--> Might want to look into something called "Free Net" <-- Google that, pretty interesting.
- Proxies there are people on Fiverr & BHW who sell them. Talk w/ the provider some ppl sell specialized ones for mailing, scrape box, etc. Best to buy a couple run some tests and make sure they are legit before making large orders as some providers are BS.
- Checkout other sites like

Code:

www.samir.ru

It sucks having to pay for proxies but, often the best solution. There are tons of "shady" sellers the trick is finding the right hookups for the right purpose. Look around

PHP Code to check refer:

Code:

<?php
$yoursite = "yoursite.com"; //Your site url without http://
$yoursite2 = "www.yoursite.com"; //Type your domain with www. this time

$referer = $_SERVER['HTTP_REFERER'];

//Check if browser sends referrer url or not
if ($referer == "") { //If not, set referrer as your domain
$domain = $yoursite;
} else {
$domain = parse_url($referer); //If yes, parse referrer
}

if($domain['host'] == $yoursite || $domain['host'] == $yoursite2) {

//Run your dowloading code here normally

} else {

//The referrer is not your site, we redirect to your home page
header("Location: http://yoursite.com");
exit(); //Stop running the script

}

?>

Source:

Code:

http://www.knowledgesutra.com/forums/topic/40295-check-referrer-to-prevent-linking-yours-from-other-sites/

The above script is meant for detecting downloads but, what you would need to do is tweak it so that it would redirect them and block their ip. Best way would probably to have an array with your keywords you want to block and run a parse or regex on it to detect and block.

NapsteR · May 24, 2011

i need to copy screen shots from a site. it doesnt have watermark. Any suggestion? If edit something in photoshop is it ok?

moonlighsunligh · Aug 8, 2011

the_demon said:
3. host files in another country or one that US copyright law (or whatever country you are from) does not apply in
--> or have another server / free host somewhere else hosting the files of concern

Isn't it enough to upload images/videos to youtube/flickr,tinypic.com and then use them on your site?

Roparadise · Aug 8, 2011

Isn't it easier to use content from the public domain? you can find hundreds of pictures to use from wikimedia commons and picdrome,you might have to modify the picture to make it "unique" for example changing it from a picture to a painting in photoshop.

10 tips to avoid getting sued for copyright infringement

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