Copyright and the LawJiahuan Liu

MGQ B7

DefinitionA copyright provides legal protection to a

written or an artistic workProtected work may include images, symbols,

novels, movies, songs, and softwareA copyright protects expressions of ideas

Copyright does not protect facts, ideas, or systems

Exclusive RightsA 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 rightGive distribution rights to a publisherGrant movie rights to a studio

Conveying Limited RightsSoftware developers convey limited rights to

the software through:End User License Agreement

Grants full use to the software on one computer Prohibits purchaser from copying, modifying, or

selling the softwareSite License

Permits an organization to run multiple copies of the software concurrently

Copyright InfringementOccurs when a copyright is violated without

permission of the ownerUnauthorized duplication or use of softwareUnauthorized downloading and/or duplication

of songs and moviesInvolves stiff penalties

From the lawBy your school

Software PiracyPoses a unique problem because of the ease

with which it is done Results in:

Higher prices for legitimate licensesReduced levels of supportDelays in development of new versions

It’s not OK to borrow your friend’s Office CD for installation on your computer

Using Copyrighted MaterialThe copyright owner may place the work in

the public domain, in which case the author is giving everyone the right to freely reproduce and distribute material

The “fair use exception” to the copyright law allows one to use a portion of a written or artistic such as the following:EducationNon-profitCritical review and commentary

Credit Your SourcesCite your references

Include a source text box on a slideCreate a site listing sourcesInclude hyperlinks to sourcesDoes not substitute for authorized use

For Additional InformationThe United States Copyright Web site

www.loc.gov/copyright/The Business Software Alliance

www.bsa.orgThe Copyright Web sitewww.benedict.com

Individuals who violate copyright law and/or software licensing agreements may be subject to criminal or civil action by the copyright or license owners.