S. Bird, Johnson UES Library Media Center 2010 ©

Did you know that whenever you write a poem, or a story, or even a paper for your class, or create a drawing, or other artwork, you automatically own the copyright to it?©

What is Copyright? Copyright protects "original works" that are fixed in a " tangible form of expression."

What is Copyright? As the author of the work, you alone have the right to do any of the following or to let others do any of the following: make copies of your work distribute copies of your work perform your work publicly display your work publicly make “derivative works”

Which Works Are Protected by Copyright? Written works (which includes computer software)

Which Works Are Protected by Copyright? Musical works, including any accompanying words

Which Works Are Protected by Copyright? Dramatic works, including any accompanying music

Which Works Are Protected by Copyright? Pantomimes and Choreographic works

Which Works Are Protected by Copyright? Pictorial, Graphic, and Sculptural works

Which Works Are Protected by Copyright? Motion pictures and Other audiovisual works

Which Works Are Protected by Copyright? Sound recordings

Which Works Are Protected by Copyright? Architectural works

Which Works Are Not Protected by Copyright? Ideas, procedures, processes, concepts Titles, names, short phrases, and slogans; listings of ingredients or contents Works consisting entirely of information that is commonly available and contains no originality Works that are not fixed in a tangible form of expression Works by the US government

Who Owns the Copyright in a Work? The author who created it, the moment it’s put into “fixed form” Works made for hire – “authored” by the employer Joint work (two or more authors) - co-owners of the copyright in the work, unless they agree otherwise

How Long Does Copyright Protection Last? until 70 years after the death of the author or artist

Public Domain When the copyright expires, the work enters the public domain. Public domain is work available for anyone to use freely for any purpose.

Fair Use Allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright holders. You can use copyrighted material, if: it is for your schoolwork. you use your own words. you give credit to the copyright holder.

Why Should I Care About Copyright? “When you create something, aren't you proud of your work when you spend a lot of time and energy creating it?”

Why Should I Care About Copyright? Rights “As the creator of your work, you should have the right to control what people can and cannot do with your work.”

Why Should I Care About Copyright? Appreciation “Copyright reflects our appreciation for all the hard work that goes into creating "original works of authorship" and respect for the right of the creator of that work to control what people can and cannot do with it.”

Why Should I Care About Copyright? “Copyright law gives you a set of rights that prevents other people from copying your work and doing other things with your work that you may not like.”

How much do you know?

Based on information from "Copyright Basics." Copyright Kids The Copyright Society of the U.S.A. 12 Nov