FAQs: Quizzes & Copyright Law

by Liz Huff Second Street

Should I think of quizzes as content?

We would argue that a quiz should be treated like any other form of content your media company produces. This means that all the guidelines you currently follow for your general content should be followed for quizzes.

Can I refer to celebrities or sports figures in my quizzes?

As we said above, the argument can be made that quizzes are content, just like news stories and other content that your media company produces. This means that the same rights to using a celebrity’s name or likeness, or that of a professional or amateur public sports figure, would apply here and be protected under the 1st Amendment.

Can I add photos and videos to my quizzes?

If you want to add photos and videos to your quizzes, consider the same guidelines you use when adding photos or video to your news stories. You need to make sure that you have the rights to use the photos or videos, such as by license from the copyright owner.

How does selling a quiz sponsorship affect what content I can use?

If you sell a quiz sponsorship to an advertiser, the case can be made that it is analogous to placing advertising on a web page upon which content exists. However, it needs to be clear that the advertiser is only a sponsor and that the content was created by your media company as opposed to by the advertiser.

Get your copy of the Quiz Playbook.