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Copyright Basics for Faculty

This guide provides information about using copyrighted materials in the online and face-to-face classroom. Disclaimer: This guide is intended to provide general information and does not constitute legal advice.

Rules of Thumb

Works of art created in the U.S. after January 1, 1978, are automatically protected by copyright once they are fixed in a tangible medium

U.S. copyright law gives artists control over the right to copy (including photocopies, photographs and scans), publicly display, distribute and adapt their works.

Clipart

Question: May I freely use clipart?

Answer: No. Although clipart is sold to be copied, rights may be limited to personal use.

Cartoons

Question: May I use a cartoon in a PowerPoint presentation for class?

Answer: As far as copyright is concerned, cartoons are treated like any other image.

Images

Question: May I copy an image to use in a PowerPoint presentation for class?

Answer: Yes,

  • a single copy may be used for scholarly research or use in teaching or preparation to teach a class. "Image" refers to a chart, graph, diagram, drawing, cartoon or picture.
  • if fair use guidelines apply, OR
  • if the image has passed into the public domain.

Question: May I copy a graph from an online newsletter and post it on the University website?

Answer: No, not without permission. Fair use allows the use of copyrighted works for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research only. You may, however, link to the article containing the graph without permission of the copyright owner.

Question: Are Google images copyright free?

Answer: No. Unless otherwise indicated, assume Web images are copyright protected.

Question: What alternatives are there?

Answer: Use copyright free images. Illustrations and images from many government sites are copyright free. Link to the image/illustration. Obtain permission.

Question: May I use a photograph of a painting that is in the public domain without copyright permission?

Answer: No. Even though the painting is in the public domain, the photograph may be copyright protected.

Question: May I digitize slides from our institution’s slide library for classroom presentation?

Answer: No, you must seek permission to digitize slides sold specifically for educational use.

Tools

How to Caption an Image

Image Sources