What is Copyright?
What is copyright?
Copyright is a form of protection that the U.S. gives to creators and authors of original creative works, including without limitation, literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. The protection applies to both published and unpublished works. Copyright is the right of the author, artist, composer, or creator to control the use of his or her work by others.
To acquire copyright protection, a work must be an idea that is fixed in a tangible form of expression. A work is original when a human author produces it and it possesses at least a minimal degree of creativity. A work is fixed when is captured in a sufficiently permanent medium that would allow the work to be perceived, reproduced, or communicated for more than a short time.
Copyright protection is automatic from the moment the original work is fixed.
A non-exhaustive list of works that are subject to copyright protection include:
- Literary works
- Musical works
- Dramatic works
- Motion pictures
- Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
Copyright Basics
- Copyright Basics: Copyright Clearance Center
Take a copyright crash course with Jim the librarian, as he explains the basics of U.S. copyright law and how it affects you at work. By Copyright Clearance Center.
Copyright on Campus
- Copyright on Campus
A fun and informative overview of U.S. copyright law and its impact on colleges and universities. For more information about copyright and for licensing to share copyrighted material, visit www.copyright.com.
Resources & Links
- 17 USC 110: Limitations on exclusive rights: Exemption of certain performances and displaysText contains those laws in effect on October 19, 2020.
- Copyright Basics: Copyright.govDetailed PDF covered the basics of copyright law.
- Works Not Protected by CopyrightTo be copyrightable, a work must qualify as an original work of authorship under the copyright law. This circular highlights different types of works and subject matter that do not qualify for copyright protection.
McKee Library's Copyright & Fair Use Policy
McKee Library at Southern Adventist University is committed to adhering to and upholding all applicable laws regarding intellectual property, including without limitation, Title 17 of the United States Code, the Copyright Act of 1976, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, and the Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization (“TEACH”) Act.
- McKee Library's Copyright & Fair Use PolicyThis page provides additional details about McKee Library's copyright and fair use policy.
YouTube Copyright School
Russell learns some valuable lessons about copyright. Video from the YouTube Copyright School.