Provides a basic introduction to copyright through a question-and-answer format. Topics covered include definition of copyright, copyright notices and registration, rights to owners, duration, software, civil and criminal penalties, the work-made-for-hire doctrine, fair use, transfer, international scope, licenses, and student materials. (EAM)

This article covers the second part of a workshop on registering copyrighted materials, off-air video recording, using copyrighted videotapes in the classroom, and computer software copyright. The Copyright Law provides for the protection of the authors of creative works, while at the same time providing certain exemptions for educators and…

Defines copyright and examines the interests of computer software publishers. Issues related to the rights of libraries in the circulation of software are discussed, including the fair use principle, software vendors' licensing agreements, and cooperation between libraries and vendors. An inset describes procedures for internal auditing of…

The purpose of this brochure, which was produced as a service to the academic community, is to provide a brief outline of what can and cannot be done legally with software, and to clarify the implications and restrictions of the U.S. Copyright Law. Relevant facts concerning copying software precede the EDUCOM statement of principle on intellectual…

Intended to aid members of the academic community who produce written material (this includes instructors and students) in conforming to the requirements of U.S. copyright law, this easy-to-understand guide presents a current overview of relevant sections of the Copyright Act. The guide is in question and answer format and discusses: the…

This paper presents a guide to fair use, particularly use of new media in the classroom. It begins with a brief overview of the fair use doctrine and then presents guidelines for copying of printed materials, use of videotaped materials, and the use of multimedia (the last summarized from the Consortium of College and University Media Center's…

Points out that purchasers of CD-ROM products do not acquire the same rights as they do when purchasing print products. Licensing terms and agreements of 12 CD-ROM producers are examined and the making of backup copies of support software, downloading, multiple use and other restrictions, and negotiating different licensing terms are discussed.…

Discusses legal issues involved in developing and distributing multimedia publications. Examines libel; rights of publicity; and such elements of copyright law as copyright protections and infringements, fair use and public domain policies, and use of ideas and factual materials. Uses a hypothetical multimedia project to illustrate the legal rules…

This guide explains how the United Kingdom Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 affects librarians and information workers in professional bodies and charitable organizations, and offers guidance on interpreting the main provisions of the law. The guide begins by providing definitions, clarifying what materials are subject to copyright, the…

This article presents an overview of the laws governing the use of computer software, along with an outline of precautions school districts should take to reduce the potential for liability. In 1964 the U.S. Copyright Office began to register software as a form of literary expression. This was followed by the Software Rental Amendments Act, which…

Discusses the possibilities for copyright infringement in classroom use of media material (e.g., videotaped television programs, slides of illustrations from books, and software). Reviews basics of copyright law; the doctrine of "fair use"; and considerations for audiovisual, multimedia, and software use. Stresses respect for others' work,…

Presents a synopsis of guidelines on the acceptable use of copyrighted multimedia materials in educational presentations. Outlines four characteristics of fair use. Discusses issues of retention and access, quality limits, number of copies that can be made, and other restrictions. A sidebar includes guidelines to remember when creating multimedia…

Discusses the Copyright Act, four factors that courts must consider in determining permission by the "fair use" doctrine, and the educational exemption for using copyrighted software. Suggests that the best strategy in determining fair use is to contact the publisher, as well as requesting guidelines from the United States Copyright Office. (AEF)

Summarizes recent developments in copyright law, with a focus on their consequences for users in colleges, universities, and libraries. Highlights include the concept of fair use; library reproduction rights; recent court cases and legislation; and future copyright concerns, including fair use of computer software and electronic text, and license…

The school principal has an affirmative duty to be informed and to fully inform those under his or her supervision regarding the use of copyright. The present Copyright Law of 1978 and its key guidelines are reviewed in this paper, with a focus on the copyright law as it applies to computer software programs, videotaping, and photocopy.…