Most bloggers will start their online platforms from a pure joy of writing. As their voice becomes increasingly popular in the virtual world, most will naturally begin to think about how to actually derive income from their blog. There are a few legal aspects to consider when starting a blogging business and it is advisable to go over them before you actually start making money from your writing.
First thing’s first: incorporate
Bloggers can start growing their own business by incorporating a limited liability company. This is also a useful change if you are already operating in the form of a sole trader and have decided to separate your personal finances and assets from your business ones. If the blog (in this case, business), is fined or even sued for whatever reason, your personal savings, account and property will be protected from any liability.
Bloggers in Singapore who are planning on monetizing their blog can consider opening a private company. Only one shareholder is needed to form this type of company and there are no restrictions regarding nationality. If you are in need of additional information regarding the business incorporation process, you can contact a team of Singapore specialists who can help you form your company.
If you live on another country, make sure to consult the local regulations.
A blogger’s liability
Bloggers have the power to reach out to a vast number of people. This also means that their work will be very visible and subject to plagiarism or infringement claims. This may happen unintentionally, however, it is important to know the scope of the law and how it applies. On the other hand, many bloggers and photographers are victims of plagiarism themselves. It is important to consider plagiarism as a blogger’s reputation is one of his biggest assets in the online world.
Another issue to consider is how your articles may damage someone else’s reputation and whether or not they will try to take legal action. When can you be accused of libel (the written defamatory statement)? It may be useful to talk to a lawyer in order to find out if or in what case you can be held liable and may be asked to pay compensations.
The scope and limits of the copyright and the intellectual property laws are another legal aspect to consider. For example, the Intellectual Property Law Chapter 12, included in the Commercial Law of Singapore, establishes that copyright only protects the manner in which ideas are expressed and there is no copyright of the ideas, information and facts per se. Bloggers can, however, have copyright on a literary or dramatic piece of writing and this will be ongoing during the author’s lifetime and seventy years after his or her death.
Finding more about the applicable laws, the reporting requirements and how your blogging business will be taxed, according to the income you derive, is always a useful step before actually commencing the business activities. Bloggers can find out more about the most important legal and business aspects by talking to a local lawyer.