Handouts for clients - Personal Trainer Community - Forum

[Christina]

I know this is going to sound a bit ignorant but what are the copyright laws regarding handouts from books and web resources? Is it illegal even if you site the source? Is it okay to distribute handouts as long as the information is not being sold? Should I contact the author of the material I want to distribute and ask for permission?

Perhaps some of our members who have written books can shed some light. I know that most government materials do not fall under copyright laws, I just do not know how to handle all other material.

Thanks,
Christina

[muscletrainerdh-NSCA CPT]

I think it depends on the handout's author. Most authors will not deny you the permission to reprint their materials, AS LONG AS YOU AREN'T CHARGING FOR THEM.

I would definitely contact the author to find out for sure. Just let them know your intention (Increasing your clients knowledge to assist in their health) and you should be okay.

Maybe Joe and Margie have a better idea?

[kaiserS]

I think it depends on the handout's author. Most authors will not deny you the permission to reprint their materials, AS LONG AS YOU AREN'T CHARGING FOR THEM.

I would definitely contact the author to find out for sure. Just let them know your intention (Increasing your clients knowledge to assist in their health) and you should be okay.

Maybe Joe and Margie have a better idea?

C'mon Christina - you're just handing it to one client at a time? Just give it to 'em - I promise not to tell! :wink:

[standAPART]

Most articles should cite the author and resource where found (website, etc). Most times, an author will grant permission to use their material provided everything is intact (not modified) and not used for sale. Most lengthy articles or books will have a disclaimer ( as my own Training Revolutions does) that depicts that nothing inside can be used without consent from the author. I think each situation will be different.

C'mon Christina, we all know you have a whole 4 clients!! :P

Just kidding. In either case, I think you are fine.

[Christina]

I get no respect from you people.

[megfit]

Hi Christina,

Well, after all your grief from such a supportive group (grin), yes, most everyone is right: Most handouts should say on them that you can reprint with permission. You can freely refer/give out websites without any problems, though.

Now, if it's from a BOOK, and you want to copy it, you can do one of two things: If you want to literally photocopy the section, you do need to contact the author or publisher. Most authors who go under larger publishing houses don't have control of their materials and you'll need to go through the publisher. If you ADAPT it from a book, your best bet would be to say 'adapted from...' and you'll be fine.

And, hey, I know you have SIX clients, lol!

Margie