Fair Use, Copyright Law, and Creative Commons are all concepts that relate to intellectual property rights and the use of copyrighted material. Fair Use is a legal doctrine that allows for the limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright owner. Copyright Law, on the other hand, grants exclusive rights to creators and owners of original works, giving them control over how their works are used and distributed. Creative Commons is a licensing framework that allows creators to grant permissions beyond what is permitted by default under copyright law.
The Four Factor Test is a set of criteria used to determine whether a particular use of copyrighted material qualifies as fair use. These factors include the purpose and character of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used, and the effect of the use on the potential market for the original work.
Violating copyright law can have various consequences. Copyright holders may choose to take legal action, seeking damages or injunctions to stop the infringement. Violators may be required to pay fines or face criminal charges in severe cases. Additionally, the unauthorized use of copyrighted material can result in reputational damage and legal liabilities for individuals or organizations involved.
To uphold copyright laws and guidelines, it is important to respect and adhere to the principles of fair use, obtain proper permissions or licenses when necessary, and give appropriate credit to the original creators. Education and awareness about copyright laws are crucial, as well as implementing policies and procedures that promote compliance within organizations. Regular review of licenses, monitoring of content usage, and staying updated on copyright law developments can also help ensure compliance with intellectual property regulations.
References:
 Copyright. (2020a). Arizona State University. https://libquides.asu.edu/copyright/basics
Copyright. (2020b). Arizona State University. https://libguides.asu.edu/copyright/fairuse
License. (n.d.). unDraw. https://undraw.co/license
Stim, R. (n.d.). What Is Fair Use? Stanford University Libraries. https://fairuse.stanfors.edu/overview/fair-use/what-is-fair-use/