Briefly defines the concept of copyright, discusses the role of the National Commission on New Technological Uses of Copyrighted Works (CONTU) in studying the problems associated with copyrights and computer software, reviews the work undertaken by CONTU, and summarizes the changes in the Copyright Act of 1976 recommended by CONTU. (JL)

Discusses computer use in practice of trademark law by following adoption, filing, and prior use of the trademark "Aspen" (for a fruit juice drink). Databases searched to track previous use of mark, trace possible conflicts, and assist in their resolution are mentioned. Database chart and list of vendors is included. (EJS)

Examines the Commission of the European Communities' draft directive on database copyright. Components of the directive are discussed, including a definition of a database, databases protected as literary works under copyright law, piracy protection, fair use, and licensing requirements; and problems with the directive are described. (four…

Describes a 1975 project conducted by the Oregon State University (OSU) library with online vendors to identify problems in obtaining data directly in machine readable form. Producer views on data reuse, data users' reactions, and suggested solutions to legal and procedural problems are discussed. Provided are 15 references. (RBF)

Discusses downloading of data from databases using microcomputers and mass storage technologies as it relates to copyright laws and legal implications. Topics covered include a definition of copyright; original works; collective works and compilations; fair use; downloading by libraries; court bases; and resolution of uncertainty surrounding…

This symposium presents thoughts of OCLC's president and six reactions to news that OCLC has decided to register its database for copyright. Topics covered include copyright and access to information, legal and technical issues, reasoning behind the decision, a threat to sharing, improved communications, and copyright enforcement. References are…

Reviews definitions and the scope, history, technological capabilities, and other significant issues of electronic publishing. Advantages and disadvantages of electronic publishing are compared to those of traditional publishing, and possible future impacts of electronic publishing on books and libraries are considered. (CDD)

When used in managing college student records, electronic data interchange allows electronic student records to be fed directly into a receiving institution's database instead of being sent by mail. Although the process offers many clear advantages, one important question that must be addressed is how students' privacy will be protected under a…

The increasing presence of electronic materials, databases, and networks in society's institutions raises a number of new questions related to copyrighted and intellectual property in cyberspace environments (e.g., How will the fair use provision of U.S. copyright law and practice be extended to electronic situations?). Such questions have…