World 3 · Creator Guardian · Lesson 12

Evidence, permissions, attribution and infringement concerns

Good evidence shows what happened and when. Know exactly what each kind of evidence proves — and what it does not.

5 min
Jurisdictions: International / treaty, Australia, Vietnam
Last reviewed: 18 October 2026

Draft — awaiting editorial review

Educational content, not legal advice. Lessons are drafts awaiting editorial review.

You will learn to

Build a checklist of creation and permission evidence.
Explain precisely what a SHA-256 fingerprint and a receipt time show.
Respond carefully when you suspect infringement.

Evidence that actually helps

Keep originals and drafts, files with their original metadata, process photos, emails with collaborators, signed contracts and licences, and proof of first publication. The best evidence is made while the work happens, not after a dispute starts.

Fingerprints and times — exactly what they show

A file's SHA-256 fingerprint shows whether the file has changed since the fingerprint was recorded. It does not show who made the file, when it was made, or who owns it. A time recorded by a platform shows when that platform received the record; it is not automatically an independent trusted timestamp. An evidence record helps you organise and preserve material, but it is not an IP registration or proof of ownership.

When you suspect infringement

Record evidence of the use (links, dated screenshots), check whether it might be licensed or covered by an exception, and get advice before making demands. Many platforms have a notice-and-takedown process. Avoid public accusations, which can expose you to defamation or similar claims. Be careful with demand letters too: in Australia, a person threatened with unjustified infringement proceedings can sue the person who made the threat.

Try a scenario

An illustrator finds her drawing printed on T-shirts sold on an online marketplace.

What is the best first step?

Post on social media accusing the seller.Preserve evidence of the listing and her original work, then use the marketplace's reporting process or ask an adviser.Buy a shirt and demand compensation straight away.

Check your understanding

PracticePractice testSee the explanation after each question.

Pass mark: 80% — for this lesson that means every question.

Question 1 of 4What does a file's SHA-256 fingerprint prove?

Whether the file has changed since the fingerprint was recorded.Who created the file.That you own the copyright.

Take away

Build a private evidence checklist for one work: original, drafts, fingerprint, licences and first publication — each noting exactly what it shows.

Apply it to your IP

Nothing runs or is saved on its own. Each option only opens a tool when you choose it.

What this lesson cannot tell you

How evidence is weighed depends on each country's law and the facts. An evidence record is not an IP registration, proof of ownership or a finding of infringement.