Copyright, Fair Use and Creative Commons
All original work is automatically copyrighted, which means a user needs the creator's permission to use it. However, thanks to Fair Use and Creative Commons, there are ways to use these works without having to get permission.
All original work is automatically copyrighted, which means a user needs the creator's permission to use it. However, thanks to Fair Use and Creative Commons, there are ways to use these works without having to get permission.
It is still expected that these resources will be cited using MLA format.
It is still expected that these resources will be cited using MLA format.
Fair Use allows the unlicensed use of copyright-protected work under the following circumstances:
Fair Use allows the unlicensed use of copyright-protected work under the following circumstances:
1. The purpose for using it: education, news reporting, criticizing/commenting, and comedy/parody
1. The purpose for using it: education, news reporting, criticizing/commenting, and comedy/parody
2. The type of work it is: fiction/creative vs. nonficiton. Traditionally, nonfiction is meant to be used as a resource for others, so it tends to be more open. Creative or fiction works are original, and are more closely guarded by the creator.
2. The type of work it is: fiction/creative vs. nonficiton. Traditionally, nonfiction is meant to be used as a resource for others, so it tends to be more open. Creative or fiction works are original, and are more closely guarded by the creator.
3. How much of the work is used: Is just a part of it being used or most/all of it? Is it being transformed into something different and original?
3. How much of the work is used: Is just a part of it being used or most/all of it? Is it being transformed into something different and original?
4. Will the use of this work affect its market value: Are you making money off of it or are they losing money because of your use of that work?
4. Will the use of this work affect its market value: Are you making money off of it or are they losing money because of your use of that work?
Use this list to help guide you, as well as a healthy dose of common sense. Check out the resources listed below for more specific information about copyright and Fair Use.
Use this list to help guide you, as well as a healthy dose of common sense. Check out the resources listed below for more specific information about copyright and Fair Use.
