Scholarly Communication

Copyright protects the rights of creators to their literary and artistic works. Copyright is automatic as soon as the works have been put in tangible form (e.g., written works on paper or in digital form, a recorded song, printed or digital photographs, graphics, sculptures, audiovisuals, architectural designs, etc.). As an author or creator, that person can do or authorize others to do the following:

• make copies of the work
• distribute copies of the work
• publicly perform or display the work
• make derivatives of the work

There are exceptions to copyright (such as fair use) and many other intricacies. The difference between copyright infringement and plagiarism are also often confused. Keep tools and resources handy for learning about copyright topics.

Services and tools:

• Read the UCF Libraries’ Copyright Policies.
• See UCF Regulation UCF-2.033 Copyright and Works for University Personnel.
• See UCF Regulation UCF-2.029 Patents, Trademarks, and Trade Secrets for University Personnel.
• Register a copyright and learn more from the U.S. Copyright Office.
• Explore information about copyright from the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Research Guides: Copyrights | Copyright, Fair Use, and the Education Dilemma

For more information, contact Sarah Norris

Creative Commons (CC) is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal tools, including licenses. Individuals can use licenses from CC to help share their works (as long as the individuals still retain their author rights). The licenses work alongside copyright and help individuals pick which rights they would like to retain. In other words, the licenses offer adjustments to the typical “all rights reserved” standing that happens through copyright. CC can also help with locating works marked as freely available to use. CC is not a law firm, however, and does not provide legal advice.

Services and tools:

• Share your work by choosing a CC license.
• Search the Commons to find works that others have given open licenses to.

Research Guide: Scholarly Communication: Creative Commons

For more information, contact Sarah Norris

Because the following four-pronged test is highly subjective, it is difficult to know whether your application of the test will stand up in a court of law.

1. Purpose for Use (is it for nonprofit educational use or commercial use?)
2. Nature of the Work (is it a film, article, etc.)
3. Amount Used (are you using a small portion of the work or a substantial amount?)
4. Effect on Work’s Use on the Market (will it result in the copyright owner potentially losing the ability to profit from their work?)

For that reason, UCF has chosen to adopt the guidelines (set forth under 5.-9. of the UCF Use of Copyrighted Material Policy) rather than to ask individuals to apply the four-pronged test. For more information, please see the UCF Use of Copyrighted Material Policy. UCF Personnel should follow applicable copyright law and the above referenced policy.

For additional resources pertaining to fair use, please visit the UCF General Counsel’s website, but, in reading these materials or the legal resources posted on the UCF General Counsel’s website, please keep in mind that they do not constitute, and should not be considered a substitute for, specific legal advice. The resolution of legal issues frequently hinges on slight changes in the facts and circumstances, and your particular situation may well be different from those described in these materials. If UCF faculty and/or staff members encounter legal questions within the course of their employment, including those pertaining to copyright law, the university’s guidelines with respect to fair use, university regulations and/or other official UCF documents, they should contact the UCF Office of the General Counsel. UCF students should contact the Office of Scholarly Communication at the John C. Hitt Library.

For more information, contact Sarah Norris