LibGuides: Copyright Center: Welcome

What can the Copyright Center do for you?

The Copyright Center is a centralized place for all your answers to copyright-related topics. Here you can learn about:

Copyright basics
- What is protected by copyright? What rights do copyright holders have?
Fair use
- How do you determine if a use is covered?
The TEACH Act
- How do you determine if a use is eligible?
Copyright registration
- How do you register? What are the costs involved?
Institutional policies on copyright and intellectual policy
- What do you own? What does the university own?
Important contacts
- Who do you contact if your answer is not here?
Legal cases relevant to educators
- What could happen if you infringe copyright?

Browse the guide, use the tools, or contact Center at copyright@mnstate.edu for individual questions and instruction.

The information contained in this guide should not be considered legal advice or counsel.

Key Points

Copyright is automatic once the work is in a tangible form.
Copyright holders have the rights to reproduce, distribute, make derivative works, and publicly display or perform their works.
There are specific exemptions within copyright law that allow use without permissions.
Fair use is the most commonly used exemption in an educational setting.
The TEACH Act was designed for online classes but fair use can also be used.
If a use does not qualify for an exemption, permission must be obtained for the use.