Copyright protection is automatic once a work is fixed in a tangible form. Copyright holders have the exclusive rights to copy, distribute, perform and display their work. One must obtain permission from the copyright owner to use a copyrighted work. Copyright lasts for the life of the creator plus 70 years. While ideas cannot be copyrighted, certain uses of copyrighted works, such as for commentary, news reporting or research, may be allowed under the fair use doctrine by considering the purpose, nature, amount and effect of the use. Plagiarism involves passing off someone else's words or ideas as your own without properly attributing the source.

1. The Facts

2. Basics of Copyrights
 Copyright is automatic once placed in a fixed format
such as written or recorded.
 Copyright Holders own the exclusive right to copy,
distribute, perform and display their work.
 One must have the permission of the copyright
owner to utilize the copyright.
 Copyrights last for 70 years plus life of the copyright
creator.

3. Copyrights:
Protected vs. Not-Protected
Ideas are not-protected because it
would be unwise to limit the power of
American culture and creativity.

4. Fair Use
 Certain use of copyright is allowed:
commentary, parody, news reporting,
scholarly research and education.
 Not a right, only a legal defensible position
 Have to weigh all of the following four aspects
 The purpose & character of the use
 The nature of the copyrighted work
 The amount & substantiality
 The effect of the use upon the potential market

5. Basics of Plagiarism
 Is the use someone else’s word or ideas and pass
them off as your own.
 Need to record the name of website and/or author
(the original source).
 Need to utilize sources within the text or the use of
bibliography.
 Plagiarism is one of the largest challenges of the
current advancements in technological innovation.

6. Conclusion
 Intellectual Property is becoming more and more of
a problem due to the increased ability to share,
download and copy.
 Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism are
unfortunately common, and it is every individuals’
responsibility to know the laws regarding these.