Copyright Basics

What is Copyright? Right of authors and artists to control original work including reproduction and use. Protection provided by U.S. law. Civil and criminal penalties.

Why are we Concerned? Technology allows for easy access and duplication. Technology allows for easy detection. Penalties can be severe. Right thing to do.

Copyright How do you know? Literary works, graphics, photographs, music (written and recorded), artistic works, others. Tangible form – cannot just exist in your mind. Both published and unpublished works are protected. Does not have to contain a copyright notice. Does not have to be registered.

Copyright What is not protected Works by the U.S. Government. Works in the public domain. A listing of ingredients or contents. Ideas and facts. Works consisting of common property. Titles, names, short phrases and slogans.* Logos, symbols and designs.* * These are protected by trademark law

Copyrighted How to get permission Do you need permission? Who is the copyright holder? Look for a terms of use policy or a copyright statement. Ask for permission.

Conditions for Free Use of ushistory.org Content Limited Excerpts Only The Extract may not constitute all or a substantial portion of the Contents. By way of example, the IHA would consider Content from more than a single historical site represented on the IHA web site to constitute a substantial portion of the Content which would require the special written permission of IHA. Let Us Know Before using the Extract, you must provide IHA with written notice of your intended use of the Extract by filling in the form at the bottom of this page. Single Use Only You may use the Extract only once and only in a single publication or web page. If you wish to use the Extract again or in more than one publication or web page, you must provide a new notice as described above. Noncommercial Use Only You may only use the Extract for a noncommercial purpose. By way of example, the Extract may not be used as part of an advertisement for a commercial entity. Only Applies to IHA Content The preceding shall not apply to any Content in the public domain, designated as owned by anyone other than IHA or used by IHA only with the permission of the author.

Ask Permission Give yourself plenty of time. Letter, or form? What do you want to use? How will it will be used? How long it will be used? Will it be placed on the web; will it be password protected? Will the use be available at no charge? Include a space in request where the copyright owner can sign and return to you granting your request. Multiple copyright within same publication. Keep good records. Permission to use once is not permission to use again.

Attribution You must give appropriate credit. Credit must always be given to the original author and/or the copyright holder. If you have permission. If you don’t need permission. Follow guidelines in “terms of use” or copyright statements. Exact quote or slightly reworded. Full and adequate source reference.

Resources 10 Big Myths The Copyright Crash Course U.S. Copyright Office – copyright basics The Copyright Management Center

QUESTIONS? Connee Wheeler Extension Associate Family and Consumer Sciences February 2008 Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.