Navigating Copyright: Understanding Canva’s Terms and the Impact of Bern Copyright Laws

Don’t do it, you’ll land yourself in all kinds of copyright hell!

Yes, we’re talking about copyright for the visuals you want to share on social media. Whether they are your own Canva designs or Canva templates.

First things first … not all imagery is wrong to share, and you can probably go ahead and click the share button, but sometimes you have to watch what you’re doing or you’re in serious hot water.

Let’s look at copyright in general and Canva’s copyright terms – because Canva is really why you’re here.

In today’s digital day and age, where visual content absolutely dominates all online platforms copyright has taken centre stage. Quite rightly so as well because IP (intellectual property) needs protection.

Canva, our ever-popular and beloved Canva, the popular graphic design platform has become a prominent player in the creation and sharing of all our own graphic content.

The aim of this piece is to explore the copyright fundamentals, Berne Copyright Laws and of course Canva’s own copyright terms.

Understanding Copyright Basics

Copyright grants creators, even you and I, exclusive rights to their original works. Thus preventing others from reproducing, distributing, displaying or adapting these works without due permission.

So, that Canva design that you created FROM SCRATCH … that’s yours!

This protection applies to most forms of creative expression which includes literature, music, film, graphics, and art (any type).

Copyright allows creators, you and me, to control how our work is used and it helps ensure we receive recognition and compensation for our efforts.

The Berne Copyright Laws: An International Framework

The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, commonly known as the Berne Convention, is an international agreement that sets the foundation for modern copyright laws.

Established in 1886, this treaty aims to provide creators with uniform protection for their works across participating countries.

The key principle is that copyright is AUTOMATICALLY granted to creators when they create their work, without the need for registration or formalities.

This means that once you create something ORIGINAL, you automatically hold the copyright to it.

Canva’s Copyright Terms: What You Need To Know

This is the bit that you’re here for. As a Canva designer and sharer of your own Canva designs, you need to know what you’re in for. So let’s unpack.

Canva offers us a VAST library of templates, images, and assets. Not all of these are free from copyright restrictions though.

Free vs. Paid Assets: When you’re using the pro version, you pretty much have the right to use the assets at your disposal. On the other hand, free assets can be used without significant restrictions for both personal as well as commercial projects.

Make sure that, as a pro user, you understand the licence and copyright of each premium/pro asset you are going to be using.

License Types: Canva offers various license types for the assets available to us. We have one-time use, multi-use and extended licenses. These licenses define the scope of usage, so it’s essential to choose the appropriate license for your intended purpose.

Usage Restrictions: Some Canva assets may have usage limitations – you may not be able to use them and on-sell them in a design to your clients (content creators take note, please). Please make sure you review and adhere to these restrictions!

Attribution: Some, even free elements, require you to properly attribute the creators of the assets.

Template Customisation: The templates that we are using within Canva are designed for us to customise – you know I’m ALWAYS on about customising it until it’s no longer recognisable as a Canva template. Here’s the (not so well-known) reason why you should modify templates: using a template without significant modifications could lead to copyright infringement, as it may appear as if you’re claiming the entire template as your own.

Respecting Copyright Online

Beyond Canva’s terms, navigating the broad online landscape requires awareness of various types of copyright attached to internet visuals.

Only some things you find on the internet are there for you to use. Or free to use for that matter.

Let’s look at some of the copyrights available:

1. Public Domain

This just means that something that HAD a copyright on it is available in the public domain and that the copyright has expired. This can be freely used by anyone, however, determining public domain status varies by jurisdiction so you would do yourself a solid favour by checking first!

What typically comes to mind here will be books that used to have copyright on them.

2. Creative Commons

These licenses offer a range of permissions that you can attach to your graphics. They allow varying degrees of use, from unrestricted to limited use with proper attribution.

Typically here would be the photographs and graphics you can get from the likes of Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash, etc.

3. Fair Use

This allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission, typically for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, education or parody. This is subject to interpretation, though. So, your understanding of fair use may not necessarily be the same as mine.

4. Commercial Use

This is one that you never EVER want to cross. When you are creating something that you are SELLING, make sure you have the necessary permission to do so before you do! When you want to use something for commercial purposes (offer it as part of a paid service) you would require proper licensing or permission from the creator, even if the material is freely available online.

Conclusion

Whether you are a novice designer, a serious designer or just a dabbler in Canva, not making sure you know about copyright is leaving yourself open and liable for all sorts of hurting!

Copyright is the cornerstone of creative protection and a vital aspect of the digital landscape we find ourselves in.

By respecting copyright terms, adhering to licensing agreements, and staying informed about copyright laws, we can ensure a culture of innovation and responsible content creation.

So, let’s create, share and collaborate while staying on the right side of the law.

I’d like to add a disclaimer that I am not an authority on copyright. This blog is my interpretation of my limited understanding of copyright in its entirety and I acknowledge that there may be layers that I have not touched on.

I’ve only covered the visual aspect of copyright here.

To understand typography (font) copyright, I want you to go and read this blog by Louise Foster where she gives you a better overview of this aspect of design that I am not an expert on. She touches on the fonts inside Canva as well – ALWAYS important to know what you can and can’t do even when you subscribe to the free version of Canva.

Remember, we all interpret laws, etc. in our own way. We cannot all be experts at everything.

I can certainly give you expert direction when we spend time 1:1 in a Canva training session sharing with you HOW the various features in Canva work. For more tutorials, you can go and have a look at my YouTube channel and for even MORE help in Canva, you may even join the Canva Design Mastery Membership where you have me to help you (practically) 24/7.

However, you need help. There is a solution for you. Ping me an email if what I’m offering here does not cover your Canva needs. I’m always happy to hear from you!