Copyright

Did You Know?
	Copyright covers just about any expression of an idea.
	Some, but not all, academic uses of copyrighted materials can be considered fair use.
	There are legal ways to download music and movies to your computer.

Don't be the next
copycat unplugged.

Don't share
copyrighted materials.

The University of Colorado at Boulder community respects the intellectual property of others, regardless of the medium by which it is transmitted. This is a cornerstone of academic integrity. We prohibit the use of unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, which is subject to both civil and criminal penalties as well as university procedures.

Distributing copyrighted materials using peer-to-peer or file-sharing programs is illegal and the university uses technological solutions to deter this activity. Still, the university regularly receives notices of copyright violations and is required by law to take action. Common consequences include loss of network access and referral to the Office of Judicial Affairs.

This site provides information on the following topics:

Copyright Overview
Using copyrighted materials
- Copyright exemptions: Fair Use, TEACH Act
- Permission
- Tools to decide if a use of copyrighted materials qualifies for an exemption: decision tree, rules of thumb, balancing act when applying four Fair Use factors
Copyrighting your own work
Campus response to illegal downloading and file-sharing
Off-campus contacts
On-campus information
Student Copyright Site

This site is not intended to provide legal advice about copyright.