Learning the Basics of
Copyright, Fair Use, and Public Domain

Copyright, Fair Use, and Public Domain. Oh my!

What does all of this mean? There is so much information, so many pictures, videos, music, and more on the Web. Can you legally use any of it in your own projects? Learn what is protected, learn how it becomes protected, and understand how you can legally use it.

Unless otherwise noted, save your answers in a Word document named Copyright. (You may want to right click on links and choose Open in new window.)

Before you get started watch the video, Copyright Exposed.

1. What is copyright? Give some examples of original works you have created. Think about these as you work through the following questions.

2. In order to protect your original work, (Steps to Copyright), you can register with the U.S. Copyright Office. Explain what it takes to register your original work.

3. Now that you know how to register, is registration required? Would you choose to register your original work? Why or why not?

4. How long does copyright protection last? If you created an original work today, what year would your copyright protection end? (Hint: You will need to guess how long you will live.)

5. You can use copyrighted works with permission from the copyright owner. Write a letter asking permission to use some form of copyrighted material. Choose a use for the copyrighted work other than a school yearbook. Save your letter in a Word document named Permission Request

   Not everything is protected by copyright laws.

6. What is Public Domain? Give at least three specific examples of works in the Public Domain and why they are considered Public Domain.

7. Fair Use allows you to use copyrighted works without permission. Explain the limitations of fair use.

   Watch the video Piracy: A Threat to Creativity.

8. If you have ever participated in peer-to-peer file sharing of music or videos or know someone who has, have your opinions or feelings changed? Why or why not?

9. If you use a copyrighted work with permission from the copyright owner, use a copyrighted work under Fair Use guidelines, or use a work in the Public Domain you should give credit to the creator. Choose a favorite book, magazine, movie, or website. Use the Citation Maker to generate a citation. Copy the citation into a Word document named Copyright.

After all that hard work, just for fun, watch: A Fair(y) Use Tale (NOT a Disney movie).
TO THINK ABOUT... Did you think the video showed Fair Use of the Disney movies?