How a blogger can enter the international market: legal instructions for beginners

Many successful bloggers strive to go international to expand their audience, increase their income, and strengthen their influence. However, to ensure that your internationalization is not only successful but also safe, it is important to prepare for the legal aspects of this process. In this article, the Antwort Law team shares detailed instructions for bloggers who want to conquer the international market.

1. Copyright: protecting content on a global level

Content is the main asset of any blogger: unique photos, videos, texts, or music make you recognizable, but the wider your audience becomes, the greater the risk that your work will be copied.

Key steps to protect copyright:

• Automatic content protection: according to the international Berne Convention, your copyright arises automatically at the moment of creation of the work. However, to enhance protection, especially at the international level, it is worth registering your rights with specialized bodies. For example:

- in the USA — through the Copyright Office

- in the EU — through national copyright bodies.

• Use metadata and watermarks: Add hidden information to your content that indicates your authorship - this will help you prove your rights more quickly in case of disputes.
• Monitor content usage: Use services like Google Reverse Image Search or Copyscape to monitor where and how your content is used. Video platforms like YouTube offer built-in tools like Content ID.
• Know the platform rules: When you post content on YouTube, Instagram or TikTok, some of the rights to its use are transferred to the platform. Read the user agreements to understand how your content can be used by third parties.

2. Taxes: What you need to know to avoid fines

Working with an international audience is not only about income in foreign currency, but also obligations to tax authorities in different countries.

Key points about taxes for bloggers:

Where to pay taxes: Determine your tax residency, for example, if you live in Russia but receive income through YouTube in the US, you must declare this income in Russia.

Double taxation agreements: If the country where you pay taxes has an agreement with your home country, you can avoid double taxation, for example, Russia has such agreements with more than 80 countries.

Platforms and taxes: Some platforms, such as YouTube, automatically withhold tax (for example, in the US it is 30% for non-residents). Make sure you provide all the necessary documents to reduce the tax rate, for example, filling out the W-8BEN form.

Hire a tax consultant: Complex situations, such as working with several countries, require a professional approach, and a tax consultant will help minimize risks and prepare declarations in accordance with the laws.

3. Contracts: The legal basis for successful work with brands

Collaboration with brands is one of the main sources of income for bloggers, but to avoid misunderstandings or even litigation, it is important to formalize everything in writing.

What to include in a contract with a brand:

• Payment terms: specify the amount, currency, terms and method of payment, and for international payments, specify who covers bank fees.
• Use of content: specify where, for how long and in what format the brand can use the content you create.
• Responsibility of the parties: specify who is responsible for violations (for example, if the brand does not fulfill its obligations or you miss the publication deadline).
• Confidentiality agreement (NDA): if in the course of cooperation you gain access to internal company information, be sure to conclude an NDA.

4. Social Media and Advertising: How to Avoid Breaking the Law

International advertising laws require bloggers to clearly indicate sponsored content, for example:

• In the US, there are FTC (Federal Trade Commission) rules that require adding the hashtags #ad or #sponsored.
• In the EU, similar laws are in force in the UK, Germany, and other countries.

What else is important to know:

• Check out the laws of each country to avoid fines. For example, some countries prohibit advertising alcohol or gambling.
• Check the advertised product to ensure it meets local quality standards.

Entering the international market is a challenge, but with the right approach and legal support, it becomes a real opportunity. The team at the international law firm Antwort Law is ready to help you protect your rights, legalize your income, and create a solid legal basis for working with an international audience.

Contact us to discuss your path to global success!

Lidia Ivanova

International lawyer
Antwort Law