Copyright law gives authors exclusive rights over the reproduction, distribution, public performance, public display, and creation of derivative works of their original creative works fixed in a tangible medium. However, fair use provisions allow limited use of copyrighted works without permission under certain circumstances. There are four factors considered in determining fair use: the purpose and character of the use; the nature of the copyrighted work; the amount of the work used; and the effect on the market. Fair use is more likely to apply to nonprofit educational uses that are transformative, use a reasonable portion of the work, and do not negatively impact the market for the original. One must consider fair use guidelines carefully when using copyrighted works digitally to avoid improper broad distribution

1. Copyright and Fair Use SEP Technology

11. creativecommons.com