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Copyright and Plagiarism: Copyright Laws

Information for authors, researchers, and faculty looking to publish scholarly works and join the scholarly communication community.

TEACH Act

The TEACH Act is the Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act. It addresses guidelines for use of copyright protected resources in the online teaching environment.

CFR

34 CFR 668.14(b)(30)

(30) The institution—

(i) Has developed and implemented written plans to effectively combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material by users of the institution's network, without unduly interfering with educational and research use of the network, that include—

(A) The use of one or more technology-based deterrents;

(B) Mechanisms for educating and informing its community about appropriate versus inappropriate use of copyrighted material, including that described in §668.43(a)(10);

(C) Procedures for handling unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including disciplinary procedures; and

(D) Procedures for periodically reviewing the effectiveness of the plans to combat the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials by users of the institution's network using relevant assessment criteria. No particular technology measures are favored or required for inclusion in an institution's plans, and each institution retains the authority to determine what its particular plans for compliance with paragraph (b)(30) of this section will be, including those that prohibit content monitoring; and

(ii) Will, in consultation with the chief technology officer or other designated officer of the institution—

(A) Periodically review the legal alternatives for downloading or otherwise acquiring copyrighted material;

(B) Make available the results of the review in paragraph (b)(30)(ii)(A) of this section to its students through a Web site or other means; and

(C) To the extent practicable, offer legal alternatives for downloading or otherwise acquiring copyrighted material, as determined by the institution; and

Copyright Records

Orphan Works

An orphan work is copyrighted material for whom the owner cannot be located even after an extensive search.

DMCA

The DMCA Changes (also known as Rulemaking Exemptions) are reviewed every three years.

DMCA Rulemaking Exemptions for 2012

Definitions