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Popular misconceptions about copyright
| Misconception: |
"If it is on the internet , it's 'public domain'." |
| Reality: |
A work is only in the public domain when the copyright protection period has expired or when the copyright owner clearly states that they have placed it in the public domain (as is the case now with some Creative Commons type content). Works published on the internet will normally carry a copyright notice. Even if there is no notice, you should presume that the material is in copyright and may only be used (in whole or part) in accordance with any conditions published on the site, for example, computer programs made available under the terms of the GNU licence may be used for non-commercial purposes. If no conditions of use are given, you should contact the owner of the site for details of the copyright owner so that you can ask for permission. |
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| Misconception: |
"If I make a few changes to this diagram/computer code, I won't need to obtain permission to use it." |
| Reality: |
If you adapt or create a work based on an existing work, without obtaining permission, you will infringe copyright. Adaptation is one of the exclusive rights of copyright owners and making a few changes will not result in the new work becoming your own. |
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| Misconception: |
"Copyright protects ideas." |
| Reality: |
Copyright protects only the material expression of the idea, not the idea itself. You will not infringe copyright if you copy an idea but give it original expression eg different computer code to achieve the same function, an entirely new text to explain the same idea.
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There is a growing list of Copyright FAQs available on the University copyright website.
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