Legal Issues in Creating a How-To-Use-A-Software-Tool Product
I'm based in Florida and planning to create and sell an online product (video tutorial) that teaches people how to use a software product (e.g. Excel, Word, Photoshop, etc...).
Is it copyright infringment if I record myself using the software product, demonstrating how to use the various functions of the software product? For example, a video on how to load a file, how to save a file, etc...
Thanks!
Re: Legal Issues in Creating a How-To-Use-A-Software-Tool Product
When in doubt, get permission.
It is possible to create unofficial, educational instruction manuals and similar products without violating the copyright of the company that created the product, even if you include screen shots. You need to make clear in your work that it's an unofficial guide, and be careful not to cross the line by diverging into areas with stronger copyright protection or trademark violations. But some companies are pretty aggressive about going after unofficial guides (for example), even if their case lacks merit.