1. Copyright and the Law
Your Name Goes Here

2. Definition
A copyright provides legal protection to a written or artistic work
Protected work may include: poetry, novels, movies, songs, and software
A copyright does not protect facts, ideas, or systems
It may protect how these items are expressed

3. Exclusive Rights
A copyright gives its author exclusive rights to the use and duplication of a work for a designated time
The author may sell and/or give up a portion of that right
Give distribution rights to a publisher
Grant movie rights to a studio

4. Conveying Limited Rights
Software developers convey limited rights to the software through:
End User License Agreement (EULA) grants full use to the software on one computer but prohibits the purchaser from copying, modifying, or selling the software
Site license permits an organization to run multiple copies of the software concurrently

5. Copyright Infringement
Occurs when a copyright is violated without permission of the owner
Unauthorized duplication or use of software
Unauthorized downloading and/or duplication of songs and movies
The law imposes stiff penalties for copyright infringement
Your school university may impose additional penalties

6. Software Piracy
Poses a unique problem because of the ease with which it is done.
Illegal duplication of software results in
Higher prices for legitimate licenses
Reduced levels of support
Delays in development of new versions
It’s not OK to borrow your friend’s Office CD for installation on your computer

7. Using Copyrighted Material
The owner of a copyright may place the work in the public domain. in which case the author is giving everyone the right to freely reproduce and distribute the material
The fair use exclusion to the copyright law allows one to use a portion of a written or artistic work for the following purposes:
Education
Non-profit
Critical review and commentary

8. Credit Your Sources Use Microsoft Word to cite your references
Pull down the Insert menu
Click the Reference command
Select Footnote
Click Insert and enter text
Numbered footnotes are placed at the bottom of each page throughout the document
Footnotes are automatically adjusted for subsequent insertions or deletions

9. Forewarned is Forearmed
Individuals who violate U.S. copyright law and/or licensing agreements may be subject to criminal or civil action by the copyright or license owners. THIS MEANS YOU!

10. For Additional Information
The United States Copyright Web site at
The Business Software Alliance at
The Copyright Web site at