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Copyright Law

Copyright law protects the rights of creators by granting them exclusive control over their original works, including literary, musical, artistic, audiovisual, and software creations. Copyright holders have rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, modify, and license their works, with protection lasting for the author's lifetime plus 50 to 70 years. Infringement can lead to legal consequences, but certain uses may be permitted under fair use or fair dealing exceptions.

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13 views

Copyright Law

Copyright law protects the rights of creators by granting them exclusive control over their original works, including literary, musical, artistic, audiovisual, and software creations. Copyright holders have rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, modify, and license their works, with protection lasting for the author's lifetime plus 50 to 70 years. Infringement can lead to legal consequences, but certain uses may be permitted under fair use or fair dealing exceptions.

Uploaded by

janetmaina2018
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Copyright Law: Overview and Key Principles

Copyright law is a legal framework that protects the rights of creators by granting them exclusive
control over their original works. It regulates how works are used, distributed, and reproduced while
balancing public access and fair use.

1. What Does Copyright Protect?

Copyright applies to original works in various formats, including:

 Literary works (books, articles, research papers)

 Musical compositions (songs, lyrics, recordings)

 Artistic works (paintings, photographs, sculptures)

 Audiovisual works (films, documentaries, podcasts)

 Software and databases

2. Rights of Copyright Holders

Copyright owners have the exclusive rights to:

 Reproduce the work (make copies)

 Distribute the work (sell, rent, or share)

 Perform or display the work publicly

 Modify or adapt the work (create derivatives)

 License or transfer rights to others

3. Duration of Copyright

 In most countries, copyright lasts for the lifetime of the author plus 50 to 70 years after their
death.

 Works created by corporations or institutions may have a fixed term (e.g., 95 years).

 After expiration, works enter the public domain, meaning they can be freely used.

4. Copyright Infringement & Legal Consequences

Infringement occurs when someone uses a copyrighted work without permission. This includes:

 Copying or distributing a work illegally (piracy)

 Using copyrighted images or music without credit or a license

 Plagiarism (claiming someone else's work as your own)

Legal consequences can include:

 Fines and penalties


 Lawsuits and compensation claims

 Cease-and-desist orders

5. Exceptions & Fair Use

Certain uses may be allowed without permission under fair use (USA) or fair dealing (UK, Canada, etc.),
including:

 Educational purposes (teaching, research, scholarship)

 News reporting and commentary

 Parody or criticism

Would you like specific details on copyright laws in your country or how they apply to libraries and
archives?

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