Bible Copyright Violation

[SUPERCOACH]

I just received a notice from Google that they have disabled all ads for the site because of a copyright violation.  The example page they listed was one of our daily scripture pages.  Apparently pasting bible passages is a violation of copyright law.  Ridiculous!

 

I don't really make any money from the ads, but they do bring in enough to cover some of my overhead/expenses for keeping the site up and running.

I'm not sure what to do about this.  For the time being I may archive all of the daily scripture topics and remove them from the site.  If it turns out we really are in violation of copyright laws then we don't need it on here anyway.  If our topics are considered fair use for the purpose of education and discussion (which they should be) then maybe I can put them back on later.

It may be because we are quoting the NIV.  I know the King James is in the public domain.

 

[2Stater]

Wow! Who owns the copyright to the NIV? They've got to be kidding.

[Chechem]

Weird.
Of all things! 
I just knew my photos from all over the web were going to be the problem.

Let us know if there's anything else we're doing wrong.

... and pray for the bastids at Google. 

[ricky023]

Wow, I am so sorry for these people. Actually as most know I am a King James person anyway. I know what was being done was out of the goodness of heart. God please forgive these people who claim to own your Word. In Jesus name AMEN.
Also, is my daily prayers in anyway bad for the site. These come directly from my heart they are not copied from anywhere. God Bless!

[SUPERCOACH]

I think the daily prayers are fine.  I just removed all of the daily scripture topics from the site.  I can put them back later if I find out they are OK.

Unfortunately the message from Google did not come from a person and there is no way to talk to a human.  So I am kind of stuck for now.

[2Stater]

I found this: Click here for link

Biblica (formerly known as the International Bible Society) was founded in 1809 and is the worldwide publisher and copyright holder of the New International Version of the Bible (NIV), licensing commercial rights to Zondervan in the United States and to Hodder & Stoughton in the UK. Biblica is a global Bible ministry headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado that seeks to transform lives through translation, publishing and Bible engagement.

If it was them complaining, they're going about "engaging" the wrong way.

(Hmmm, I hope my quoting this isn't a copyright infringement). 

[SUPERCOACH]

I have several NIV bibles in my house.  If the NIV really is the problem, I won't be buying any more.

Even if it is copyrighted, there are certain fair use exceptions for the purposes of education and public discussion.  Our usage was a text book case of LEGAL fair use.

[SUPERCOACH]

I have several NIV bibles in my house.  If the NIV really is the problem, I won't be buying any more.

Even if it is copyrighted, there are certain fair use exceptions for the purposes of education and public discussion.  Our usage was a text book case of LEGAL fair use.

I don't want to jump to conclusions though.  It could just be some computer over at google that went nuts without any input from Zondervan.  For that matter, anybody could post a complaint to google, even if they are not the copyright holder.

[ricky023]

Well now I must say I sent them an e-mail asking how they could produce a Bible containing the Word of God for money only? It was suppose to be shared but if others could not copy their verses and share them then it is a sad time. Now I mentioned no names but I want them to know that Gods' Word is not being stolen it is only shared. Try Jack Graham's site for his sermons are copying the verses. I am so sad about this and I will pray for these people. RTR!

[pmull]

Busted.  I wonder if this is how Paul felt when they put him in jail for spreading the gospel.

I had no idea someone would be concerned about sharing the bible on the internet, NIV or any other translation.

[pmull]

I used Biblegateway for all my posts. I just looked to see if their is anything on there website about copyrights and there is.

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

[pmull]

After doing a little looking all common English translations are copyrighted except King James. As SC said it is public domain.

[bamaphil]

I won't make any assumptions about what happened here.

I will say that I like the ESV because in addition to being an excellent and readable translation, Crossway has a free ESV app for devices and generally charges much less for their physical Bibles than other translations.  A few years ago when I was using the NASB the apps were $19.99 for an electronic download with no printing or shipping costs.  I've also heard that if you call Crossway and tell them you're buying Bibles or other books to give away that you can get a deep discount.

[SUPERCOACH]

I finally figured out how to get in touch with google to tell them we have removed the NIV posts.  We'll see what they say.

[ricky023]

OK they were kind enought to write me back and here it is:

Ricky,

 

Thank you for your email and concerns regarding the copyright of the New International Version of the Holy Bible. I wanted to provide you with some background regarding the NIV, to hopefully clear up any confusion there may be.

 

All modern Bible translations are copyrighted and I have tried to outline the key points below:

 

1.       Copyright means that no one may change or amend the text, nor may anyone publish the text without permission. The NIV translators and publishers stand by the accuracy of the text and will not permit it to be corrupted or changed in any way. There are many who might wish to change a verse or passage to suit their agenda or theological leaning, and copyright prevents such distortions.  

 

2.       God’s Word did not come to us in English or any other modern language but was originally recorded in Ancient Hebrew, Aramaic (another ancient Middle-Eastern language similar to Hebrew) and Koine Greek. Therefore, the original texts have to be translated for the majority of us to have direct access to God’s Word and in the past there was a time when only an elite group of scholars had the privilege of being able to read the Scriptures.

 

3.       The NIV translators worked from more than 5,000 complete or partial manuscripts and papyri to provide us with a translation which is as accurate as possible. This process was started in 1968 and took 10 years to complete, and this does not take into account more than 10 years of planning prior to 1968. The cost of the NIV translation project was well into the millions of dollars.  Biblica continues to translate God’s Word into many languages enabling people around the world to read the Bible in their heart language: In addition we distribute literally millions of Scriptures without charge throughout many nations each year. Biblica is a non-profit organization and could not function as it does without recouping the cost of its translation projects, scripture products and ministry initiatives from the royalties received for commercial use of its texts as well as through the generous gifts of donors.

 

4.       Having said all of the above, we never knowingly hinder an individual’s use of the NIV for evangelism or their personal study; however, if someone desires to profit from the sale of the NIV or other Biblica translations we do charge a royalty.  

 

I hope this answers your concerns adequately.

 

God bless,

 

Brett Davis

Associate, International Rights & Permissions

Biblica US, Inc.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This E-Mail is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you have received this communication in error, please do not distribute and delete the original message. Please notify the sender by E-Mail at the address shown. Thank you for your compliance.

 
The above was in response to Ricky's question below:

Comments: I thought the Word of God was to be spread in all and any ways. How can someone who copies your scripture and adds them to another site so other can read and find hope. It is sad when have the Bible for money not to be shared at will. May God touch you in anyway he sees fit.

(Edited by pmull to remove Ricky's personal information.)


Thank you so much pmull. God Bless. RTR!

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