Copyright Laws for Students

Students are often faced with copyright laws when they least expect them. What may seem like borrowing to a student is actually breaking the law. From music, to multimedia, film, literature and poetry, a student must stop assuming they can use others words and self-expression without permission. Instead, understanding how to go about copying, distributing or creating a derivative or performing and displaying another person's work is important. Basic copyright laws inform us how to go about this.

Owners Have Rights

Generally the author is the owner of the work they create unless the work was created under the ownership of someone else or the author has sold the copyright. An employer is the owner of an author's or creator's work when it is created while being employed; this is part of a contract for a work for hire, or as an assignment for the employer. If you work for the school newspaper as a reporter, you may have a byline but the school owns the articles you have written.

Seeking Permission From an Owner

The place to begin when seeking permission to reproduce or distribute someone else's work is to locate who owns the copyright. This is usually located on the work, and the next step of contacting them and receiving written permission is fairly easy. If there is not a copyright ownership noted, there are organizations for each type of created work (music, art, literature, dance, photographs) that may be able to assist in obtaining permission. Know exactly what you want to do with the work before contacting anyone.

Performing Another Person's Work

Did you know that performing another person's play, music or screening a film all require permission from the copyright holder? Yes, it's true. Check with your school's copyright office to find out if your request is covered under the school's general copyright license. There are many agencies for images, music and the written word that may be able to help secure permission. A librarian can assist you in locating the right one for your work.

Classroom Presentation

Using a pre-recorded film can round out any good presentation and students can and should be able to use them in the classroom. Universities, non-profits, businesses and government organizations are usually covered by umbrella licensing for the use of film in their environments. Find out if your school has an umbrella policy and how you need to approach using film at your particular campus.

Tips for Student Permission

Any time you want to use an existing work, make sure you have followed the rules of copyright law. Always remember to: 1) obtain permission in writing or document the conversation and confirm with a letter outlining the conversation; 2) make sure the person giving you permission has the right to do so; 3) get permission for archival architecture drawings, photographs and documentation; 4) obtain copyright permission, or document the interaction whether the owner cares about it or not; and 5) do not use works for which you are unable to obtain permission.