This chapter discusses these Web-specific permission issues and how to obtain the necessary permissions for website uses. We also provide a sample linking agreement for you to use. Since websites are becoming increasingly common targets for infringement lawsuits, we will focus on how website owners and people who manage websites (webmasters) can minimize their liability.

If you have hired a webmaster to maintain the site, the information in this chapter will be of use to both of you. While the webmaster will need to understand copyright rules in order to keep the site out of legal trouble, it's generally the owner of the site who will be liable for any claims of infringement. When we refer to the webmaster or the owner of a site in this chapter, keep in mind that both the webmaster and the owner should be aware of and compliant with copyright rules on the Web. In general, the trouble areas include using copyrighted material or trademarks used without authorization, or using a person's image used for commercial purposes without authorization, or if a person is defamed or suffers invasion of privacy

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