Copyright: Begin
Here!

First, determine if you are dealing with a copyrighted work.

• Copyright covers "original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression."
  Copyright protection is automatic from the moment of creation. Student work, class notes, YouTube videos, websites, personal letters, email, diagrams, and many other things are all covered by copyright.

• Is the work in the public domain? Most federal government publications and works created prior to 1923 are in the public domain and may be freely used. Works created between 1924 and 1989 may be in the public domain, but require more investigation. See the public domain tab to learn more about this.
   
• Is the work licensed by the University? License agreements take precedence over copyright and may be more or less restrictive than copyright.
  • Check the MU Libraries' list of databases, list of electronic journals, and ebooks.
  • Check to see if the copyrighted resources you wish to use are licensed by your department.
  • Check with University General Counsel to see if a blanket performance license covers your proposed use.
  • Check to see if the work you wish to use is covered by a Creative Commons license.

Second, if the work is not in the public domain or licensed for use, is there a legal exemption to copyright law that would allow you to use the work?

• Section 110 (1) covering classroom performance and display
• The TEACH Act (Section 110 (2)) covering digital transmissions for performance and display
• The DMCA exemptions regarding the circumvention of encryption and other access controls

 
Third, if the work you wish to use is not licensed or covered by an exemption, you may run a Fair Use analysis.


If none of the above allows you to use a copyrighted work, then you can seek permission, which may involve paying royalties.

Nothing on this guide is to be construed as legal advice. These pages are intended to provide information and guidance in the application of copyright law and to expand on the University of Missouri System Collected Rules and Regulations.

Thanks to Miller Nichols Library of UMKC for permission to reuse material from their Copyright guide.