This general guide to copyright in the United States briefly describes the following: the nature of copyright, who can claim it, copyright available for published and unpublished works, what can and cannot be copyrighted, how to secure a copyright, publication, notice of copyright, copyright registration, registration procedures, corrections or…

This description of the copyright protection available for automated databases provides a definition of an automated database; discusses the extent of copyright protection, i.e., the compilation of facts; explains copyright registration and what constitutes publication of a database; and describes the procedures for registering both published and…

The purpose of this brochure, which was produced as a service to the academic community, is to provide a brief outline of what can and cannot be done legally with software, and to clarify the implications and restrictions of the U.S. Copyright Law. Relevant facts concerning copying software precede the EDUCOM statement of principle on intellectual…

This circular details the methods for investigating whether a work is under copyright protection, and, if so, the facts of the copyright. Both in-person searches at the Copyright Office and searches by the Copyright Office staff for a $10.00 per hour fee are detailed. The circular also explains the effect of the Copyright Act of 1976, which…

In response to important changes in copyright law as the United States accommodates itself to the Berne Convention and develops means to take account of new technologies, this guide puts these changes in a form and context that will make sense to persons who are concerned about their rights under the law. New material in the fourth edition of this…

Guidelines for the fair use of videotapes and computer software in library and classroom situations under the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 cover the areas of reproduction, adaptation, distribution, public performance, and display. Several hypothetical situations are presented to explain the legal responsibility of the library. (CLB)