Copyright or Copy wrong?

Copyright is something that many people know about but many people do not realize the rules that are associated with it.  Since many people do not know the rules that are associated with copyright they brake them often and do not even realize it.  To start lets talk about what copyright is.  Copyright is a device put onto creations so that the creator is able to control how their work is used.   It allows the creator to receive compensation and rights for their work when other use it.  It allows the creator to have the rights to make copies of their work, sell or distribute copies of their work, and prepare their new works. Copyright applies to tangible items including; a fixated item, original work that is creative beyond what was originally done.  Many things are unable to be copyrighted though and these are things that are able for use with out permission.  Things like facts and ideas that are in public knowledge, words, names or slogans, blank forms, and government works.  If we did not have copyright your works could be copied and taken as someone else's work. There are ways to use works in a classroom or other spheres of life without getting in trouble though.

Fair Use is used to get around the creators rights on their work.  There are some factors to consider though when thinking about fair use.  One factor is why and how you are going to use the work.  If you are using it for educational purposes then it is most likely going to be allowed to use it as a fair use piece.  If the work is more artistic then you are less likely to be allowed to use it as fair use.  You also have to think about how much of the work you are going to use.  The more you use the less likely it can be done in a fair use way.  This are likely to be counted as fair use pieces are chapter from a book, an article, short essay, and a chart or diagram.  Even though pieces can be considered fair use sometimes you still need permission.   Some things that you may need permission for would be when you have to use things repeatedly, or when you want to use the whole work and not just a part.

Sometimes educators don't need permission to borrow things when using works for educational purposes.  When doing this though there are still guidelines that you have to follow.  Even though there are guidelines they are not enforceable by law and are voluntary.  Students are able to incorporate portions of materials if using it for a specific course or specific project.  Teachers and other faculty are allowed to use portions of materials when producing multimedia for the classroom when it supports curriculum.  There are time restrictions for using materials though.   Fair use for copyrighted material only last for two years after that permission has to be granted again.  For materials like text, music, numerical data and motion media only 10% can be used with more specifics for each.  When it comes to pictures or illustrations no more than five images from one artist or photographer can be used.

Even though I have explained copyright above these are just the basics.  There are so many more rules, regulations and specifics that are associated with this topic.  To find more information about this topic check out the website that I retrieved my information from.