Copyright

Adam Zlomke
What is Copyright?
Copyright is a law that gives the creator of a specific work (art, literature, or
anything that conveys information or ideas) the right to control how it is used.

Things that can be copyrighted: Things that can’t

be copyrighted:

● Books

• Facts or ideas
● Music
● Videos
● Pictures
Rights of a copyright holder:
● Reproduction - gives the owner the right to make copies of the work
● Distribution - gives the owner the right to sell or distribute copies to whomever
they like
● Derivative works - provides the owner the right to make changes or to create
new works based off of the original
● Performance - gives the owner the right to perform or display the work
Copyright Example
I wrote an article about the business that I started a few years ago. I provide tips to
new business owners to help them get their businesses started. I filed my article
with the U.S. Copyright Office so no one can use it without my permission. I have
the right to sell my article to anyone I like. Nobody can take my article and publish it
or sell it without asking me before doing so.
Why does Copyright Matter?
It’s the law!

Article I Section 8 Clause 8 of the United States Constitution states:

● “To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited
Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings
and Discoveries;”

Note: Anytime someone creates a work they become the copyright owner and you
cannot use their work without their permission! Even if there is not a © (Copyright
Sign)
Copyright Infringement
Copyright infringement is when someone uses someone else’s work without their
permission.

Punishments

● You can be sued by the copyright owner for money

● You can be sentenced to jail for up to 5 years
● You can be fined up to $250,000
Don’t find yourself in this situation!!!!
The best thing you can do is to just ask the owner for permission to use their work!

If they say no - DON’T USE THE WORK

Do you always have to ask for permission?
Not always

● Public Domain

● Fair Use
Public Domain
These are works not protected by copyright. Works in the public domain are free to
use by anyone in the world. These items include:

● Work in which copyright has expired

● Works created or owned by the government
● Works created by someone for free use
Public Domain Sites
Here are some websites that offer items in the public domain:

http://publicdomainarchive.com/

http://pixabay.com/

https://unsplash.com/

https://www.flickr.com/commons
Fair Use
Fair use was added to copyright law to foster the advancement of the arts and
sciences. An author can copy from protected work for reasons such as criticism,
news, teaching, or research as long as it doesn’t diminish the value of the work.
Four Factors of Fair Use
● The purpose and character of the use
● The nature of the use
● The amount used of the original work
● The effect on the value of the copyrighted work
Fair Use Links
Here are some links to help you better understand fair use:

https://www.lib.umn.edu/copyright/fairuse

http://scu.edu.au/copyright/index.php/6
How long does copyright last?
● Anything created before 1923 is expired
● 1923 to 1963 lasts for 95 years from the date of publication if it was renewed
● 1964 to 1977 lasts for 95 years from the date of publication
● Works created, but not published before 1978 last for the life of the author plus
70 years
● 1977 to present lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years
● Work created by employees for their employer
○ 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever occurs first
Copyright Quiz
Start the copyright quiz on the following slide and see how well you understand
copyright!!
Question #1
Which of the following items can not be protected by copyright?

1. Pictures

2. Facts

3. Books

4. Videos
Correct!!
Next

Great job!
Not Quite!

Back
Question #2
One possible punishment that can happen if you are caught for copyright
infringement is getting fined up to $1,000,000.

True

False
Correct!!
Next

Great job!
Not Quite!

Back
Question #3
If I created a create a work today, how long will my copyright last?

1. 15 years after I die

2. 40 years after I die

3. 55 years after I die

4. 70 years after I die

Correct!!
Next

Great job!
Not Quite!

Back
Question #4
True or False: Items in the public domain are free to use by anyone in the world.

True

False
Correct!!
Finish

Great job!
Not Quite!

Back
Questions?!
If you have questions or concerns about copyright law please contact me:

ajzlomke@gips.org
Resources
● The Copyright Handbook: What Every Writer Needs to Know - Stephen
Fishman, J.D.
● All pictures and media were taken from Flickr - Commons, Pixabay, &
Wikimedia commons