What do I need to know about copyright?
Q&A and web resources on copyright.
Information technology, the Internet, and recent federal legislation have changed much of what we know about copyright, intellectual property, and the "fair use" of copyrighted materials in an educational setting. It used to be that most classroom or instructional uses of copyrighted materials were considered to be "fair use" and not prohibited. In the last few years, the fact that text and images exist digitally and can be flawlessly reproduced an unlimited number of times has changed both "fair use" and normal procedures for duplication centers, faculty, writers, journalists, and others. You may have tried to get something photocopied recently only to have the customer service person ask you for written permission to duplicate, even for a relatively small number of impressions. Not only have basic definitions changed, legislation and its interpretation in the courts is adding new information almost every week.
So what do I need to know about copyrights as an extension or experiment station academic or staff member?
Using copyrighted materials by others
While nothing in this area is simple, there is one rule that holds most of the time.
When in doubt, take it out.
If you have any doubt about "fair use," content in the public domain, or whether you have permission to use someone else's work, get specific permission from the copyright holder or do not use the material. If you don't know how to determine "fair use," see the "UC System Resources on Copyright" link below (the last one) and go to the "What is fair use" link. Be aware that "fair use" decisions are often not clear cut. If you are still unsure, get permission or take it out.
Are my publications copyrighted?
Published works created as part of the expected duties of cooperative extension advisors, specialists, and staff are copyrighted by the Regents of the
What about the web? Can I use anything I find?
No. Assume that material on the web is copyrighted. Get permission first. In addition, if you have a website and someone complains that there is copyrighted information on your site and that you don't have permission, take the information off the site immediately unless you are absolutely certain you have permission. Any question can be settled later. The Digital Millenium Copyright Act requires us to limit access to disputed information first and then settle ownership or permission questions.
If I put my material on the web, won't somebody steal it?
While it is not a guarantee, include a copyright statement if you post extension information on the web. If you use the Sitebuilder system, the statement © 2003 - Regents of the University of California will appear on the bottom of every page. This won't stop the unscrupulous person, but it does remind browsers that the material is not in the public domain. You can also create your content and put it on the web in PDF format. This makes it harder to change or to copy information and to take credit for it.
What about downloaded music files or other media?
Downloading or sharing copyrighted music or other media without permission on the Internet is illegal and prohibited by University policy.
How can I get an answer to my question about a specific use or concern?
If you have a specific question about a copyrighted ANR publication or about using someone else's work, please contact Bob Sams, Director of ANR Communication Services (rwsams@ucdavis.edu or 530-754-8539). If we don't know the answer, we can find someone who does.
How can I find out more about copyright and intellectual property?
There are extensive resources on these matters on the web. Here are few UC links to web pages that might be useful to you. Be warned, these links lead to a great deal of information.
ANR Publication and Copyright Policies
http://danr.ucop.edu/admin-handbook/200/287pre.html
http://danr.ucop.edu/admin-handbook/200/285pre.html
UC System Policies
http://www.ucop.edu/ucophome/coordrev/policy/4-29-86.html#guide
http://www.ucop.edu/ucophome/coordrev/policy/8-19-92att.html
UC System Resources on Copyright (an excellent collection of links to many resources and a helpful description of "fair use.")
http://www.ucop.edu/ott/crprimr.html
ANR Copyright Notice
http://ucanr.org/copyright.shtml
These are only ANR and UC resources. There are many others. Most of these issues are not clear cut, so you might find resources that contradict each other. Please contact us if you are unclear. We'll be happy to help get answers to your questions.
Bob Sams, Director
ANR Communication Services