The rapid rise of AI use is creating some very serious legal and ethical issues such as bias, discrimination, inequity, privacy violations, and--as creators everywhere fear--theft of protected intellectual property. Because AI platforms "learn" by scraping training materials available online or what is provided to them through their…

Hollywood screenwriters worry about Artificial Intelligence (AI) replacements taking over their jobs. Famous museums litigate to protect their art from AI infringement. A major retailer scraps a machine-learning based recruitment program that was biased against women. These are just a few examples of how AI is affecting the world of work,…

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…

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…

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)

Describes why developers of multimedia products face a more complex legal landscape than do developers of "few-media" products. Describes the laws that pertain to multimedia. Discusses how developers of multimedia products might walk the legal labyrinth and protect themselves and their companies from lawsuits. (SR)

This pamphlet begins by discussing two legal issues to be considered when negotiating and formalizing the production of computer programs for distribution within ECC (European Economic Community) countries: protection of the program against unauthorized copying, and the nature of the contracts to be prepared. It is noted that all member states of…

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…

Discusses copyright laws applied to computer software for professors, students, and institutions. Concepts including infringement, contributory infringement, first sale doctrine, and licenses are considered. A sample university policy statement to avoid liability is presented. (YP)

Because the computer industry's expansion has been much faster than has the development of laws protecting computer software and since the practice of software piracy seems to be alive and well, the issue of whether existing laws can provide effective protection for software needs further discussion. Three bodies of law have been used to protect…

To solve the software piracy problem in education, teachers and professionals in positions of responsibility relative to computing must refuse to "go along with" the practice of unauthorized piracy. Software producers must work out agreements that will permit educational institutions to have quality software at reasonable prices. (CB)

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)

Examines legal issues important to the library and information sector of the European Union. Discusses European Commission directives on length of copyright term, software, renting and lending, and database copyright. Reports on the Magill case on copyright in, and abuse of dominant position by, the copyright owners of television listings.…

Discusses objections in the library community to the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA), a legal framework being considered by state governments regarding computer information, transactions, and software. Topics include copyright issues; user needs for access to information; license agreements; and costs that may prevent…

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…