This guide was created to address the most common copyright questions we receive at the library. It serves as a starting point for Saint Francis University faculty seeking answers while planning courses and determining the use of copyrighted materials in their classes.
Below, you'll find a basic introduction to copyright law, with additional sections in the menu covering specific aspects relevant to teaching and classroom use. Feel free to navigate directly to the section that best meets your needs.
You can always email your question to any of the librarians at Saint Francis University Library!
Copyright is a form of legal protection granted to the creators of original works, including literary, artistic, musical, and other creative content. It provides the copyright holder with exclusive rights to use, distribute, and reproduce their work.
Copyright protects:
Not Protected by Copyright:
Generally, the person who creates a work automatically owns the copyright. However, exceptions include:
As of current U.S. law:
"Fair Use" allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission under specific conditions, such as:
To determine Fair Use, courts consider:
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