When you create an image or visual framework, how do you protect it as intellectual property (IP) when you share it?

Imagine this: You’ve just created a new visual framework, image, or diagram that you think is the greatest thing since the Maslow Hierarchy triangle.

Above all, you’re determined to prevent anyone from using your work and building their reputation (or $$$) on your sweat and toil.

What do you do?

Share vs. protect — how to choose?

The simplest is to put a © on your work. You could file copyright papers to protect your work further legally. However, as IP attorneys will caution, this doesn’t guarantee that your creations won’t be used in ways you don’t approve of (cue Disney lawsuits).

In contrast, Creative Commons licensing offers a flexible spectrum of copyright permissions, bridging the gap between full copyright and public domain.

Creative Commons licenses are used worldwide. For example, every one of the 55+ million articles on Wikipedia is licensed and shared freely under Creative Commons.

This nonprofit's goal is a free, simple, and standardized way to grant copyright permissions for creative and academic works. It’s been doing this for 20+ years, building a thriving commons of shared knowledge and culture.

Let’s explore the possibilities.

❗️ A heads-up: This is a deep dive, and I don’t want to overwhelm you. So, I've split it into two parts and will share the second half next week.

⭐️ This content is very important if you want to share and profit from your intellectual property.

Flexible options for sharing IP

There are six different Creative Commons (CC) license types, each answering the user’s question: What can I do with this work?

The narrowest level allows others to copy and distribute your material only if it meets all three restrictions: they give you credit, it’s for non-commercial purposes, and they don’t make derivatives or adaptations of it. (I used Damien Newman’s Squiggle in the SOLO newsletter ​issue​ a few weeks ago under this type of CC license.)

At the other end of the licensing spectrum, the broadest option allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon your material in any medium or format, so long as they credit the creator.

Note: there’s also a CC0 license (introduced in 2009) that lets creators give up their copyright and put their work into the worldwide public domain. This option is outside the standard six CC license types since all rights are waived.

Next week, we’ll explore how to choose which licenses are appropriate for you. For now, let's look at the pros and cons.

Why choose Creative Commons licensing?

Creative Commons licenses can be useful for solopreneurs looking to build their brand and gain visibility for their work.

Plus, CC licenses can save you the hassle and expense of managing individual copyright permissions for every use instance.

✅ The argument in favor: CC licensing lets you balance protection with exposure, ensuring your work is recognized and respected while still reaching the widest possible audience.

When to avoid Creative Commons licensing?

If your solo business depends on the exclusive sale or licensing of your content, a CC license might undermine your profitability. Or, if you need to control where and how your work is used to maintain its value, it’s not for you.

Similarly, if you create content you intend to modify and sell in the future, allowing others to make derivative works could complicate your plans.

❌ The argument against: Avoid Creative Commons licensing if maintaining control over how your work is used is crucial for its commercial value. If the uniqueness of your work is its key selling point, traditional copyright might better serve your needs.

One more thing...

My attorneys would squirm (and send me pointed emails) if I didn’t state clearly that I am not an attorney and I don’t play one in this newsletter.

So, before you make any big decisions about your intellectual property, check in with your legal advisors. These choices can have far-reaching implications for your IP and your business, and I want your decision to serve you best.

Next week, you’ll discover how to choose and use a Creative Commons license, and an extraordinary benefit CC offers solopreneurs. I’ll also share my thinking in deciding between traditional copyright and Creative Commons in my work. Stay tuned.

🗣️ I’ve had some great chats. Are you next?

This past week I had some great email chats with several readers. Thanks to Roman, Chris, and Sylvia for responding to my emails and sharing a bit about your solo businesses.

If you get a direct email from me, it’s not spam. It’s me, reaching out to connect and better understand my SOLO readers. It helps me write exactly what you need from me.

If you’d like to jump the queue and reach out directly, that would be great. Send me an email and tell me in a few sentences what’s going on in your solo business and what brought you to the SOLO newsletter as a reader. Just 2-3 sentences is all I need. Thanks!

❤️ My favorite visual delights

Here are this week’s gems from around the Web to help you build visibility, credibility, and authority:

🧐 26 Brilliant Ways to Use Psychology in Your Copywriting (With Examples)
​This blog post by Kristen McCormick provides an inspiring overview for incorporating nine psychological effects to level up your copywriting, along with details on 26 ways to use them. When I saw this, I immediately thought: Oh, this is for my SOLO readers. You’ll want to bookmark it.

🧠 Working With Your Hands Is Good for Your Brain
​In this recent article from the New York Times, Markham Heid shares research on how all of our scrolling and keyboard tapping “could have consequences for how we think and feel.” It seems that our brain needs manual activities like handwriting and sketching. Sounds good to me! (The headline above is a gift link for your free access.)

📹 Virtual Charisma: Elevate your on-camera presence
​My friend Cat Mulvihill teaches people how to run engaging and seamless online presentations. And she’s really good at it. (Her tutorials have been viewed over 1.6 million times on YouTube.) She knows that having a strong and engaging presence on virtual calls and in recordings doesn’t happen by accident.

Cat has created a mini-course (about 23 minutes) to help you elevate your on-camera presence for live or recorded presentations. As a SOLO reader, you can take it for free at the link in the headline above.

Thanks again for being a SOLO reader and coming along on this journey of visual exploration.
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See you next week,