College students sometimes want to reproduce and/or distribute copyrighted materials in the course of their study, research, creative, and recreational activities. Students also frequently create new works that are in turn protected by copyright.

All students should have a basic understanding of U.S. copyright law, and an awareness of their rights and responsibilities. Students can find a basic copyright overview in this web site, as well as practical guidance for common situations. (Note that topics herein are not legal advice and do not substitute for legal counsel.)

Keep in mind that U.S. copyright law applies to all forms of technology. Consider the intended activity or use of copyrighted material, not just the technology or tools that are used.

1. Copyright Basics: What is Copyright?
2. What you need to know about "fair use"
3. Plagiarism vs. copyright infringement
4. Copying materials for use in assignments
5. Internet (Web Pages, Linking, Downloading, File Sharing, etc.)
6. Instructors' lectures, notes, handouts, and displays (instructors' copyright)
7. Music and video recordings (downloads, class or public viewings, copying, your performances, using in projects) -- Links to other sites with info.
8. Peer-to-peer sharing, portable music players, etc.
9. Software
10. Students groups and campus events (use of copyrighted materials)
11. Angel (using posted works; posting your work)

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Content in this page was used or adapted with permission from one or more institutions. Please see acknowledgements.

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