Q: I'm writing a book. I need some examples to write in the book. People on FB gave me great ones. Can I use them?
A:
Copyright law will protect the expression of ideas, that is, the creative organization of words used to write the ideas, but not the underlying ideas themselves.
So, if you want to copying word-for-word from others, you must get their permission before using their work. If you want to write something yourself, based on the idea of what other people wrote, that is generally not copyright infringement. This is known as the idea/expression dichotomy in copyright law, and it may help you to do some research on that topic. In either case, it may be best to get written permission from the people who provided you with these examples, to use them in your book.
Best of luck! Writing a book is a challenging and rewarding endeavor.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.