Is it legal to sell video tutorials about Joomla?

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stephruth
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Is it legal to sell video tutorials about Joomla?

Post by stephruth » Sun Jul 18, 2010 12:41 pm

Hi,

I am wanting to start up a web design video tutorials site that includes videos on how to use Joomla and it's extensions. The site will charge a small monthly subscription fee for users to watch the videos.

I am wondering if there are any legal issues the Joomla team or the third party extension developers will have with me doing this, I won't be saying anything negative or making any judgements, just explaining how to use the products that I have come to love so much! :D
Cheers, Steph ;)

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Re: Is it legal to sell video tutorials about Joomla?

Post by compusolver » Sun Jul 18, 2010 2:49 pm

As with all legal questions, only an attorney can properly give you the facts. But, as a video producer and web developer, I do have some insights.

You must take care with showing any copyrighted logos, trademarks, etc. Their display must be only incidental to your tutorials. That means you can't use the Joomla logo in your title screen or advertising, etc. Even incidental displays should probably call for a statement at the end of your video explaining that those images, trademarks, etc., are the property of their respective owners, etc. (See similiar works for examples).

As for criticisms or judgements, those are perfectly alright so long as you are careful to voice them as opinions, and not facts. Any time you present something as a fact, if it can be disproven and if it can be proved to have caused harm to someone, you could be liable.
- Hank Castello
https://CompuSolver.com
PHP / Joomla / Wordpress / Yii / SEO / Security

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Re: Is it legal to sell video tutorials about Joomla?

Post by stephruth » Mon Jul 19, 2010 1:05 am

Thanks so much compusolver, very useful info I appreciate it.
Cheers, Steph ;)

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Re: Is it legal to sell video tutorials about Joomla?

Post by stephruth » Thu Jul 29, 2010 1:20 pm

Hi again,
Actually I think I have changed my mind about making them paid tutorials. I am now thinking I will make them free (in the spirit of opensource software) and use the advertising space to make some money out of it. Does this make things easier legally?
Cheers, Steph ;)

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Re: Is it legal to sell video tutorials about Joomla?

Post by compusolver » Thu Jul 29, 2010 2:12 pm

No, it does not. Same legal conditions apply - at least in the US. Although there are international agreements that make many copyright laws equal or similar, this is not absolute, so it would pay to check with a local copyright attorney (solicitor, or whatever).

Keep in mind that a general practice lawyer will not suffice. You need to talk to a specialist in copyright law for specific answers.
- Hank Castello
https://CompuSolver.com
PHP / Joomla / Wordpress / Yii / SEO / Security

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stephruth
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Re: Is it legal to sell video tutorials about Joomla?

Post by stephruth » Thu Jul 29, 2010 2:23 pm

Thanks again, I will definately do that!
Cheers, Steph ;)


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