Copyright Myths:
Following are some explanations faculty members might give as to why the copies they made comply with the "Fair Use" provisions of copyright law. Unfortunately, each is a myth. You might also want to consult the "Fair Use Checklist."
- I don't charge for the copies.
- I am using the copy in the classroom.
- The book is out of print.
- My presentation to the community group is educational.
- I'm giving the author free publicity when I distribute his/her work.
- I don't know who owns the copyright.
- I don't know how to contact the author.
- I contacted the author but she/he did not respond.
- The author's fee is exorbident.
- Everything on the Internet is in the public domain.
- Copying graphics is different than copying text.
- It's a student paper and I took their name off it.
- I acknowledged the source on the copy.
- The original document did not have a copyright symbol on it.
- I know the character is copyrighted, but it is my story line.
- Copyright violation is not a crime.
