Big Myths about Copyright

Myth 1- 5

Click on 5 and go to myth #5

1. "If it doesn't have a copyright notice, it's not copyrighted."

Virtually all works found in the electronic environment are subject to copyright. You should assume that a work it is copyright protected and cannot copy unless you have permission (a license) in writing.

2. "If I don't charge for it, it's not a violation."

It does not matter whether you charge or not. It's still a violation if you do it and may end up paying heavy damages.

3.”The Copyright Laws do not Apply To Things that are found On the Internet.”

The copyright laws apply to information that is found on the Internet. Posting something on the Internet does not mean that it is under public domain. The same applies if information that is found on the Internet that does not include a copyright notice. Under current U.S. law, even material that does not include copyright notice is protected.

4."If you don't defend your copyright you lose it."

Copyright is effectively never lost, unless explicitly given away.

5. “Since I'm planning to use my work for nonprofit educational purposes,
I don't need permission.”

Even for nonprofit organization or educational use can undermine the value of a copyrighted work, such organizations are not immune from copyright suits.