2. Objectives
At the end of this module you will be able to:
Define Copyright
Define Intellectual Property
Express why it is important to you
Have a basic understanding of Fair Use and
Creative Commons
3. Definition
Copyright is defined as:
the exclusive legal right to reproduce, publish,
sell, or distribute the matter and form of
something (as a literary, musical, or artistic
work)
Merriam-Webster dictionary
4. Definition
Intellectual Property is defined as:
property (as an idea, invention, or process)
that derives from the work of the mind or
intellect
Merriam-Webster dictionary
5. Corporate IP
Many corporations protect their IP or
Intellectual Property but really it is Industrial
Property.
This would include patent items, recipes or
formulas, product design, etc.
A good example of IP would be the
recipe for Coca-Cola.
6. What would happen?
What would happen to the company and the
Coca-Cola brand if other people could use
the formula to make soda/pop?
Increase R&D costs to
replace the product
Close Plants
Stock worth decreases
Increased Competition
Lose business
Layoff employees
7. Why it matters to you
There are several reasons this matters.
1) You do not want to get into trouble – with
your professor or the law
2) Imagine if you wrote the best
song/poem/novel and someone used it as
their own – not so good
3) Because it is the right thing to do
8. Copyright Infinity
Watch this YouTube video on Copyright, Fair
Use, and Creative Commons.
http://youtu.be/_sddGT09XJQ
9. Summary
You should now have a basic understanding
of Copyright and why it matters.
Remember:
• Reference your sources
• Ask permission to use a source if needed
• Be mindful of what you reference – even if it
appears to be “free”
Best of luck in your studies!
