The past few weeks, we have discussed how writers and other industries can use Pinterest to promote and sell their products.  Pinterest has proven to be a great way to meet new people — people we may not have otherwise met.  And over the past few months, it appears that Pinterest is assisting in more referrals than Facebook, Google+, and other social media sites combined.

But there are a few drawbacks to this new social sharing sensation – one fun, and one not so fun.

First for the fun drawback: Pinterest is addicting.  We’ve actually heard it can be extremely addicting; therefore, some recommend users limiting themselves to a thirty minute maximum daily.  We do have other things to do than get lost on the Internet…right?

Now for the not so fun drawback: Members can actually find themselves in a bit of a legal bind if “pinning” anything that doesn’t originate from a personal collection (for copyright issues).

Pins and pinboards include everything from photos, to videos, to blogs, etc.  But what happens if a member pins a movie trailer that has been leaked to YouTube, but has not been authorized for sharing by the movie studio?

Pinterest will not protect the member.  The member clearly accepts and acknowledges the Pinterest terms of service before setting up an account:

“You acknowledge and agree that you are solely responsible for all Member Content that you make available through the Site, Application and Services.  Accordingly, you represent and warrant that: (i) you either are the sole and exclusive owner of all Member Content that you make available through the Site, Application and Services or you have all rights, licenses, consents and releases that are necessary to grant to Cold Brew Labs the rights in such Member Content, as contemplated under these Terms; and (ii) neither the Member Content nor your posting, uploading, publication, submission or transmittal of the Member Content or Cold Brew Labs’ use of the Member Content (or any portion thereof) on, through or by means of the Site, Application and the Services will infringe, misappropriate or violate a third party’s patent, copyright, trademark, trade secret, moral rights or other proprietary or intellectual property rights , or rights of publicity or privacy, or result in the violation of any applicable law or regulation.”

Whew!  What does this mean?

Pinterest (Cold Brew Labs) is not responsible for any copyright infringements, the user is — 100%.  Because of this, many Pinterest users have already deleted their inspirational boards to cover their backsides.

But for the most part, we think a business or brand would be appreciative of a Pinterest member “pinning” their company video (like a “how to” or a “product review”), but legally said business could sue a member for “pinning” their content.  It’s a dangerous copyright world in today’s digital age, so everyone be careful.