Copyright Law and Fair Use Doctrine Resources

"Is it OK to use up to 30 seconds of a song without obtaining permission?"

"Can I post a music video on Youtube as long as I give credit to the musician?"

"I have the right to use it because I found it on the Web."

Copyright law and fair use factors are some of the most misunderstood topics in our schools today. Included in this section are resources that will enable you to educate your students, and yourself, on the basics of copyright law and fair use. Please use these resources in the classroom and pass them on to your students.

The resources provided here are simply links to other websites on the Web that can help you to learn more about copyright issues.

• Exclusive Rights of Copyright Owners: Section 106 - actual copyright law, and is the main source of information for studying copyright issues.
• Fair Use Doctine: Section 107 - discusses fair use doctrine, which are the exceptions to the rights of copyright owners.
• Benedict.com - This website shows multimedia samples of high profile copyright cases, as well as their outcomes and justifications. An excellent resource for discussing copyright issues in a high school classroom.
• EasyBib.com - Need to cite a source? EasyBib.com provides tools to help you cite your sources using MLA, Chicago, or APA format.
• B4UCopy.com - This website provides samples of copyright issues and breaks the law down into basic language.
• B4UCopy.com Curriculum - A free curriculum for teaching copyright law, written for grades 3-12.