Copyright Policies at VT's University Libraries

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U.S. Copyright

Digital Millennium Copyright Act: Status & Analysis
from the Association of Research Libraries

"To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries."   US Constitution, Article I, Sect. 8
Because it's on the Web does not put it in the public domain.
The lack of any copyright notice also does not put it in the public domain.

Who owns the copyright?
© creators of original works
© creators' assignees
© employers: works for hire

5 rights of copyright holders
© reproduction
© modification
© distribution
© public performance
© public display

Permission or license to use a copyrighted work is NOT required if:
© work is in the public domain
© work is a fact or an idea
© fair use

Timeline
When does a work become public domain?

What is not protected by copyright?

Copyright Basics, Circular 1
US Copyright Office, June 1998

Why officially register your copyright?
to file an infringement suit to possibly receive greater compensation, with less documentation

Sample statements of ownership Fair Use

Before you use someone else's work without permission,consider
ALL 4 FACTORS
  1. Purpose and character of use
  2. Nature of the copyrighted work
  3. Amount, substantiality
  4. Effect
Library of Congress Fair Use Flier 102

Myths about Copyright

original by Brad Templeton

Links to More © Information


Copyright Policies at VT's University Libraries
[INLINE] Send your questions, comments, or concerns about University Libraries' copyright information and policies to Gail McMillan, director, Scholarly Communications Project http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/copyright/ updated Feb. 25, 1999 (GMc) [Scholarly Communications Project]