Although law and regulation governing the distribution of intellectual property rights has significant implications for the cost, quality, and adaptability of educational products and services, PreK-12 education researchers have largely overlooked this issue. Recent changes to federal regulations in the U.S. require some federally funded…

When professors and students utilize the Internet, course web pages, and other online learning tools, much of the material that they make use of is protected by copyright law. A blend of case law and legislation governs the use of online materials and how technology can be used in the classroom and in school-related activities, often creating…

Databases receive their copyright protection (or lack of protection) under several provisions in the copyright act, including the provisions on public domain, compilations, derivative works, and original works. Application of fair use to copyrighted databases centers on downloading; protection for locally produced databases can be secured.…

Summarizes information on proprietary aspects of abstracts prepared by Proprietary Rights Committee of Information Industry Association and Copyright Committee of National Federation of Abstracting and Indexing Societies. A definition of abstracts, legal issues, United States copyright law, derivative works, ownership of copyrights, fair use, and…

In the twenty-first century, differences in the treatment of trade in alcoholic beverages in comparison to other commercial goods seem at odds with the federal regulation of interstate trade under the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution, which prohibits "differential treatment of in-state and out-of-state economic interests that…

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briefly describes the following: the nature of copyright, who can claim it, copyright available for published and unpublished works, what can and cannot be copyrighted, how to secure a copyright, publication, notice of copyright, copyright registration, registration procedures,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

Expands on three main copyright tips as they apply to editors and publishers: (1) know copyright basics (copyright notice, copyright registration, fair use); (2) know whom to contact if you have copyright questions or if you need to obtain copyright permission; and (3) communicate questions, intentions, and policies clearly and fully. (EJS)

This circular answers some of the questions that are frequently asked about copyright, a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to authors of "original works of authorship" including library, dramatic musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. The Copyright Act of 1976 (title 17 of the United States…

This circular answers some of the questions that are frequently asked about copyright, a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States to the authors of "original works of authorship" including literary, dramatic musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. The Copyright Act of 1976 (title 17 of the United…

Discusses the impact on copyright owners of technological innovation (cable, subscription and direct broadcast television; photocopying and microform reproduction; computer input, manipulation, retrieval, transmission; and improved means of audio and video recording) and enumerates a number of steps that must be taken if copyright is to survive.…

This article, written before report to Congress by Register of Copyrights was issued, examines whether balancing of rights of creators and needs of users has been accomplished by Copyright Revision Act of 1976, and reviews key issues in dispute between librarians and publishers over use of copyrighted materials in libraries. (EJS)

This report accompanies H.R. 897, the Copyright Reform Act of 1993. The bill, intended to amend title 17, United States Code, to modify certain recordation and registration requirements, to establish copyright arbitration royalty panels to replace the Copyright Royalty Tribunal, and for other purposes, is favorably reported by the Committee on the…

Reviews selected proposals for revision of Canadian Copyright Act which relate to copyright exemptions, fair use, reprography, copyright societies, materials for the disabled, computerized information systems, collective works, public renting rights, paternity right, and right to authorize. Modifications in the interest of libraries are suggested.…

Various legal methods, such as copyright, trade secret, and patent law, protect proprietary rights in computer software. Users of this software must respect these rights or face infringement lawsuits. (TE)

Examines ramifications of legislative recognition of concept of fair use in Copyright Act of 1976 and argues that elimination of fair use doctrine, coupled with increase in technological approaches to reporting of secondary use of copyrighted material, will benefit authors, publishers, and librarians alike. Fifteen references are cited. (EJS)