Copyright law protects original works even without a copyright notice. Posting work online does not give others automatic permission to copy it. Fair use allows commenting on and discussing others' works but does not allow copying entire works. Most copyright violations are civil rather than criminal cases. It's best to ask permission before using copyrighted works of others.

1. 10 Big Myths about copyright explained
Even if someone’s work does not have a copyright notice, you should assume that it is copyrighted. The
copyright notice is not required anymore, and you will violate the law by copying material even if no one is
charged for the use of the material. Posting work on the internet does not give others the permission to copy the
work. It should not be assumed that the work is public domain. You have the right to comment on someone’s
work as part of the fair use exemption to the law. Fair use means we have the freedom to express our ideas not
someone else’s. Short titles or names cannot be copyrighted but can be trademarked. Ownership of a story,
based on another (fan fiction), still belongs to the original author. Most copyright violations are civil cases not
criminal with some exceptions. Always ask permission to use someone’s material even if using it gives the
owner advantages by reproducing it. Email should remain private, but it is not considered a violation to
reproduce the information in an email. Copyright law gives the owner the right to control and benefit from their
own work.
Is Fair Use a License to Steal?
One thing to remember before using any copyrighted material, if you are not sure if it can be copied – ask
permission. Fair Use permits use of copyrighted material for such things as commentary and classroom
instruction but not without considering four things: What is the purpose of the use? (non-profit or educational)
How much of the material will be copied? (small percentage or an insignificant part of the material) What sort
of material is being copied? (published, out of print, based on fact) And will the use affect the worth of the
material for the author? (used for a different reason than the original)
To be safe when using copyrighted material, use public domain resources and pool resources with your fellow
teachers and learn to ask permission.
Copyright Essentials for Educators
1) What is an example of a copyrighted work?
a) Facts
b) Ideas.
c) An original work of art
d) Materials from the Federal Government
2) Of the following examples, which is copyrighted?
a) A poem about high school struggles written by a student.
b) A poster designed by a local artist.
c) A dance choreographed for the year end recital at a dance studio.
d) All of the above.
3) How many years does it take for a copyright to end?
a) 100 years from publication
b) Life of the author plus 70 years
c) 25 years from creation
d) Life of the author plus 95 years

2. 4) Fair Use does not allow the use of copyrighted for:
a) Criticism
b) Copying work to make classroom workbooks
c) Research
d) News Reporting
5) Of the following statements, which is a copyright myth?
a) If the original work does not have the copyright symbol, it is not protected.
b) It’s in public domain and can be used.
c) You need permission to use copyrighted material.
d) Copying music on a CD to share with friends.