Memes and Copyrights
What you need to know
I love memes. Let me state this right up front: I am not a lawyer, and nothing in this article ought to be considered legal advice. I am merely writing on the copyright of memes as I understand them.
Memes have become a part of our culture, delivering humor, social commentary, and complex messages through simple images and short text.
I often thought of creating a book of memes, but there are legal considerations surrounding their use. Copyright laws protect certain aspects of memes, and navigating these regulations can be crucial — especially when memes are used commercially. Here’s what you need to know about the copyright protection, fair use, and legal risks associated with memes.
Copyright Protection for Memes
Under the Copyright Act of 1976, memes can qualify for copyright protection, particularly when they involve original artistic works like photographs or graphics. This means that the creator or owner of the original image used in a meme may hold exclusive rights over its reproduction, modification, and distribution. These rights can extend to public performance and display, giving the original creator significant control over how the meme is used.
