Copyright Tips And Other Issues

Copyright enables writers and artists to prevent others from using their creative works. If a work of art or writing has been fixed, it can be protected under copyright law. Copyright disallows the distribution of original work through electronic media and public display, but an unprotected piece of work, or one that is permitted for use by its creator, can be distributed or used freely.

• What is Copyright Protection?: An overview of copyright protection.
• Copyright Basics: A guide to the basics of copyright.
• The Purpose of Copyright: Learn about the purpose of copyright.
• Copyright FAQ: Frequently asked questions about copyright.
• Copyright Tips: Tips for avoiding copyright violation.
• Avoiding Plagiarism: Advice on how to avoid plagiarism.

Citing Electronic Resources

In the electronic environment, it is easy to access and distribute other people’s works. Copyright laws give a person the right to own his or her work, and they even allow for a joint ownership. When a work is copyrighted, those who wish to use the work need to ask permission from its owner.

• Electronic Copyright: All about copyright in electronic media.
• Copyright and Fair Use: General information about fair use of copyrighted materials.
• Copyright of Electronic Resources: A brief explanation of copyright and use of electronic resources.
• Electronic Resources Licensing: List of principles for licensing of electronic resources.

Citing Internet Resources

Emails and web pages do not come under copyright protection, but there are ways to use works that are found on the Internet. Copyright does not allow phishing, but use of other people’s work for the purpose of education and public interest is allowed. Usually, it is illegal to use other people’s work to generate income.

• Online Copyright: Introduction to copyright laws and practices on the Internet.
• Copyright on the Internet: Information about internet and copyright laws.
• Acceptable Use of Online Resources: Find out what methods of usage of electronic resources are acceptable.
• Citing Online Resources: Learn how to evaluate and cite Internet resources.
• Online Copyright Links: List of links to information on online copyright.

Copyright Resources

There are many different types of creative works that cannot be registered under copyright law. Some of these include forms of expression, slogans, symbols, explanations, and descriptions. Many forms of art such as books, sounds, music, and designs that are saved in tapes or CDs can be copyrighted.

• Copyright Clearance Center: Website that is dedicated to promoting understanding of copyright laws.
• Cognizance of Copyrights: Understanding copyright laws and violation.
• Protection of Literary and Artistic Works: Collection of articles that contain important information about copyright of literary and artistic works.
• Copyright Resources: A resource page with links to information about different types of copyright.
• Library Copyright Guidance: Copyright guidance for using library resources.
• Works Cited: Find out how to cite works to avoid copyright violation.
• Citing Sources: A guide to citing sources and avoiding plagiarism.

Copyright Quizzes

The main question about copyright is: What is the use of copyright? The answer to this question is that copyright enables writers and artists to get recognition and revenue for their works.

• Copyright Quizzes: Quizzes about copyright laws.
• More Copyright Quizzes: Questions that test knowledge about copyright.

Ten Big Myths about Copyright Explained

1. Copyright requires copyright symbol - It is not necessary to have a symbol "c" to show that a work is copyrighted. 
2. Copyright symbol shows that you are protected - The use of "c" for copyright does not ensure that the material is protected. 
3. Copyright is not violated if you are not generating revenue from the material - Even if revenue is not generated from a copyrighted work, it is still illegal to use the material without permission from the owner. 
4. Material posted on public domain does not come under copyright laws - Material on public domain can come under copyright laws. 
5. Using other people’s work to create a derivative work does not violate copyright law - Derivatives are also protected by copyright law. 
6. Copyright violation is not a crime - Making more than ten copies of other people’s work is considered felony in the United States.  
7. Registration is required for copyright - Even if a work is not registered, it will be copyrighted when it is saved to a communication media. 
8. Registration ensures additional protection - Registration is only required when a suit is filed. 
9. Internet material is not protected by copyright law - Every original creative work saved to a media is covered under copyright protection. 
10. Registering at writers’ associations ensures copyright protection - A person does not get copyright protection by just registering to a union or organization.

• Copyright Myths: Ten myths about copyright explained.