Copyright
Copyright is a broad term that covers the rights of people producing creative works. Copyright is a legal term that is aimed at fostering the creation and dissemination of creative and intellectual goods for the public welfare. Copyright was conceived and put into place to promote the progress of science and the arts by securing benefits for the creator of those works. The Copyright Act of 1976 (Title 17) guides the use of copyrighted material.
The
copyright law attempts to balance the rights of copyright holders with
the need of the users, particularly students and teachers. While
the copyright owners have important exclusive rights to the
reproduction of their works, there are exceptions where copies are
allowed under law if they can be determined to be fair use.
Policy for Copyright and Fair Use at SUNY Cortland
Fair Use
Fair use does not mean, “I am a fair person, so I can use it!” Copying is considered fair use when four factors are considered: the purpose and character of the work; the nature of the copyrighted work; the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the whole; and the effect of use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work. The assessment of fair use is made on an individual case by case basis.
SUNY Cortland views both
liberal and professional education as integral to its mission and
believes that all study which teaches students to think prepares them
for earning a living as well as living a full life.
This
commitment to liberal arts, professional studies, and teaching includes
a commitment to complying with all laws regarding intellectual
property. This commitment includes the full exercise of the
rights accorded to users of copyrighted works under the Fair Use
provision of federal copyright law.