Copying articles is a common practice, but it can be illegal depending on the circumstances. It is important to understand the legal implications of making copies of protected works, such as CDs, DVDs, and articles. In addition, for SEO purposes, copies made and published elsewhere detract from the uniqueness of the content and reduce its effectiveness in driving traffic to the creator's website. In general, it is illegal to make copies of protected works if you intend to distribute them to third parties, even by giving them away.
However, there are certain exceptions that may apply. For example, if the reproduction is intended to criticize, report news, teach or research, it is more likely to be a legitimate use than if it is copied for commercial purposes. It is also important to note that making a copy of a protected work for a friend or to facilitate personal access is prohibited and may result in the person making the copies subject to personal liability. Even if an offender changes one in ten words in an 800-word article, for example, but maintains the perspective of the underlying work, the structure of the sentence, etc., they may still be liable. In conclusion, it is important to understand the legal implications of copying articles before doing so.
If you are unsure whether your use of a protected work is legal or not, it is best to consult with an attorney who specializes in copyright law.
