Copyright Infringement: What You Need to Know to Stay Legal in Online Courses

When you create or use content in an online course, copyright infringement, the unauthorized use of someone else’s protected work. Also known as content theft, it can cost you fines, take down your course, or even lead to lawsuits. This isn’t just about copying a video or stealing a PDF—it’s about using anything protected by law without permission: images, music, charts, lesson plans, even phrasing from a textbook. If you didn’t create it, didn’t license it, and don’t have clear fair use rights, you’re playing with fire.

Many course creators think they’re safe if they change a few words or give credit. That’s a myth. Credit doesn’t equal permission. You can’t use a stock photo from Google Images just because you linked the source. You can’t reuse a webinar clip from another educator because you "learned from it." Intellectual property, the legal rights over creations of the mind covers more than you think—designs, scripts, even unique teaching methods can be protected. And if you’re selling a course, the stakes are higher. Courts don’t care if you’re a small creator or just starting out. If you use someone else’s work without authorization, you’re liable.

But it’s not all scary. There are clear ways to stay legal. Use your own content. License material from trusted stock sites with commercial rights. Use fair use, a legal exception allowing limited use of copyrighted material for education, commentary, or criticism wisely—like quoting a short passage to analyze it, not reposting an entire chapter. And always document your sources. If you’re unsure, ask. Most creators will say yes if you reach out politely. The course content rights, the legal ownership and usage permissions for educational materials you hold should be as clear as your learning objectives.

Look at the posts below. You’ll find real advice on how to build courses without stepping on legal landmines. From how to audit your content for hidden violations, to what insurance covers if you’re accused of infringement, to how to create original materials that stand out without copying—every post here is about protecting your work and respecting others’. This isn’t about fear. It’s about running a professional, sustainable business. Get this right, and you avoid the stress, the costs, and the reputation damage. Get it wrong, and one complaint can shut you down. The tools and templates you need are right here.