Definition:
Copyright is a legal protection automatically given to authors and creators of original works (such as writings, music, art, photographs, films, software, and more).
It gives creators the exclusive right to:
Reproduce their work
Distribute copies
Display or perform their work publicly
Create adaptations or derivative works
Key point:
You do not need to register or publish a work to have copyright — it exists the moment the work is fixed in a tangible form (written down, recorded, saved).
Example:
When you write a story, take a photo, or record a song, you automatically own copyright to it.
Only have a second? Check out our Copyright at a Glance infographic:
Examples of Copyrightable Works:
Books, articles, poems
Songs, musical compositions
Plays, films, choreography
Photographs, paintings, drawings
Software, websites
Educational materials (like syllabi and lecture notes)
Examples of Things Not Covered:
Facts or data (e.g., "The Earth orbits the Sun")
Ideas, methods, or systems
Short phrases, slogans (though trademarks might apply)
Works created by the U.S. government
Common property information (e.g., standard calendars, public domain works)
Important:
The work must be original and fixed in a tangible form (not just an idea or thought).
Example:
A video recording of a lecture is protected — but the idea of the lecture topic itself is not.
For educators, students, and researchers:
Respecting rights encourages ethical scholarship and creativity.
Understanding limitations (like fair use) enables legal use of materials in teaching, research, and publishing.
Managing your own rights helps you protect your original work.
Example:
A professor might want to reuse lecture slides for multiple classes or publish them — understanding copyright helps navigate this easily.
Public Domain: Works not protected by copyright and free to use.
Fair Use: Legal doctrine allowing limited use without permission.
Infringement: Using a copyrighted work without permission or legal exemption.
License: Permission from the copyright holder to use a work.
Work for Hire: Content created within employment that is owned by the employer.