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…

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 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)

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.…

Various legal methods, such as copyright, trade secret, and patent law, protect proprietary rights in computer software. Users of this software must respect these rights or face infringement lawsuits. (TE)

With the many changes in technology since the Copyright Act was passed, following that law has become increasingly complex. Educators need to understand the law, and how to apply it in various situations. This fastback addresses some of the key issues of copyright law with particular attention to new technologies. After a brief history of the…

This book provides a step-by-step guide for librarians to find and analyze the various copyright issues in any library project, even with little or no previous knowledge of copyright law. The book discusses each section of copyright law that might apply to any library project. A series of flow charts provides a framework for decision making,…

The problem of unauthorized computer software duplication impedes the production of upgraded products by software developers, who find thousands of illegal computer program copies have been made by customers who either innocently believe they are doing nothing wrong, or simply choose to ignore the law. Unauthorized duplication and use of software…

Discussion of the effects of copyright on microcomputer software highlights the nature of copyright and situations in which the copying of copyrighted software may be permitted. Rights that a purchaser should insist upon when contracting for computer equipment are noted, i.e., right to test hardware and software prior to purchase. (EJS)

Designed to simulate a Senate committee hearing on software copyright laws, this role-playing game exposes students to a wide variety of viewpoints about software copying, including piracy. The game is structured to bring out as many points of view as possible; the goal of the simulation is exposure to these various points, not the final committee…

Explains United States copyright law as it concerns the use of photocopies, audiovisual materials, and computer software, with emphasis on new technologies, the gray areas in knowledge about copyrights. (SKC)

This review of sections of copyright laws most relevant to media librarians covers requirements of authors, sole rights of copyright owners, fair use and other exceptions to sole rights, the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) case, the Sony case, exempt public performances, and computer software. Twenty-nine references are provided.…

The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada's comments on proposed changes in Canadian copyright law, and further changes implied by or caused by those revisions, are presented. The association argues first that since the proposed revisions are being revealed in stages, legislative committee work should be suspended until all of the…

Addresses several differences between computer software and books that affect copyright-related issues. Discussion covers durability of the physical medium, dilemma of backup copies, software licensing agreements, integrity of honest customers, and policy suggestions for libraries that have or are considering microcomputer labs and are concerned…

Discusses copyright problems that arose when Texas A&M University Library installed microcomputers dedicated to computer-assisted instruction and research-related use. Highlights include microcomputer software questions, protection under copyright law, fair use, computers and copyrights, contracts and agreements, archival copies, vendor…