Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Massachusetts

How to Fix Possible Plagiarism

I am a college student. I wrote a newspaper article, and after I submitted my story to my editors, I noticed that my article had a few phrases and structural features that were, in my opinion, too similar to those of an article I read in my research. I immediately contacted my editor, a fellow college student, to review both stories. He said that there was nothing to be worried over. I was still concerned for my integrity and reputation that they were too similar and asked to change my article. He said that I could change the online version of the story. I did so, but I'm still concerned that I have not done enough to remedy the situation. The print version was distributed without my changes, and my editor sees no reason to worry about that. But I want to protect my reputation as well as my journalistic integrity. How do I fix this mistake? Have I done enough? Please help. Thank you.


Asked on 7/01/09, 6:23 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lawrence Graves Coolidge & Graves PLLC

Re: How to Fix Possible Plagiarism

Applause for your scrupulous approach.

I would suggest that you get another opinion on the issue from a professional editor (e.g., some local paper) as you may be within standard journalistic practice. If you then still have concerns, you can ask your paper to add an attribution to the other article and leave it at that. There does not appear to be an issue of legal risk at this point.

Best wishes,

LDWG

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Answered on 7/02/09, 10:10 am


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