Hello Genius, welcome back to another episode of Own Your Genius—the space where we encourage you to use your education and experiences to create dope businesses. I’m your host, Brand Attorney LaConya Murray, owner of Off the Mark IP Solutions and founder of MARKEDlegal.
today we’re diving into a question that hits close to home for so many of us: Can you actually teach what you learned in school without running into legal trouble? Maybe you want to launch a course, write a blog, or start a YouTube channel sharing educational tips. If you’ve ever worried about copyright, plagiarism, or just doing the right thing, this episode is for you.
Let’s be real—most of us want to share our knowledge, help others, and maybe even build a business from our expertise. But what are the rules? How do you do it legally and ethically? Grab your tea, settle in, and let’s own our genius together.
Can You Legally Teach What You Learned?
Let’s start with the basics. Here’s the good news: The facts, ideas, and knowledge you gained in school—the academic content itself—is not protected by copyright. That means you’re free to teach what you know, share your understanding, and even talk about theories or historical events in your own words. Knowledge is public property.
But, and it’s a big but—how that knowledge is packaged makes a world of difference. The course materials you received—think lecture slides, specific handouts, textbooks, or even recorded lectures—are usually protected by copyright. That means you can’t simply take your professor’s slides or your school’s study guide and use them as your own teaching material, especially if you’re putting them online or using them in a for-profit setting.
Before you reuse or repurpose any educational content, take a close look at the licensing terms. Sometimes, your school will allow certain uses under a Creative Commons license or similar. Other times, you’ll need explicit permission. When in doubt, create your own materials based on your understanding and experience. That way, you avoid problems—and your content will stand out as uniquely yours.
Copyright Infringement vs. Plagiarism: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clear up a common confusion: copyright infringement and plagiarism aren’t the same thing. Copyright infringement is a legal violation—it happens when you use someone else’s copyrighted work without permission. Think: uploading your professor’s entire PowerPoint deck to your website, or selling an exact copy of someone else’s workbook.
Plagiarism, on the other hand, is an ethical violation. It means presenting someone else’s ideas, words, or work as your own, without giving them credit—even if you technically had the right to use it. For example, copying someone’s unique teaching method into your course without saying where you got it is plagiarism, even if the method isn’t protected by copyright.
Here’s where it gets tricky: you can plagiarize without infringing copyright, and you can infringe copyright without plagiarizing. For example, you might copy a famous phrase and attribute it, but if it’s under copyright, you’d still need permission. Or you might use public domain content without credit—legally fine, but potentially still unethical.
Permission and Attribution: Why They Matter
So, what’s the safest path? Two words: permission and attribution. Always check if you need permission to use someone else’s material. If you do, get it in writing. And whether or not permission is needed, always give credit where it’s due. Attribution isn’t just polite—it’s the foundation of trust and respect in the creative world.
Let’s look at a common scenario: you want to use a diagram from a textbook in your online workshop. First, check the book’s copyright notice for any allowed uses. If it’s not clear, reach out to the publisher or look for an alternative—like creating your own version based on what you learned. And always note your sources, even if you’re just inspired by someone else’s idea.
Best practice? Make it a habit to cite your inspiration and contributions. It protects you, builds credibility, and honors the creative community.
Implications for Brands and Creators
Now, let’s talk big picture. For brands, businesses, and content creators, ignoring copyright or skipping attribution isn’t just risky—it can damage your reputation, lead to lost opportunities, and even spark legal battles. Audiences today value authenticity and transparency. Showing that you respect intellectual property proves you’re trustworthy.
Originality is your superpower. Even if you’re teaching something common, your personal stories, experiences, and unique approach set you apart. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things—just make sure it’s truly yours.
And remember, proper licensing, clear attribution, and originality aren’t just boxes to check—they’re long-term strategies for building credibility, loyalty, and a brand that stands the test of time.
Conclusion
Let’s recap: You absolutely can teach what you learned in school, but be smart about it. Use your own words, lean on your personal experience, and give credit where it’s due. Always check licensing before reusing materials, and when in doubt, create your own. Copyright infringement is a legal issue; plagiarism is an ethical one—and both matter if you want to grow as a creator or educator.
You’ve got this! Respect the rules, honor the work of others, and don’t be afraid to share your genius with the world. If you found this episode helpful, make sure to share it with a friend and leave us a review. Until next time, keep building your business, growing your brand, and owning your genius.
