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…

Copyright law and related problems are reviewed historically and specific methods for dealing with it in Great Britain are discussed. Emphasized are ways for handling photocopying for educational and research purposes. (LBH)

The impact of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976 on copying services supplied by many college stores is assessed. It is suggested that even unsupervised photocopying of copyrighted books and periodicals may constitute vicarious infringement by the store, but that in an academic environment, photocopying may constitute defensible "fair…

The author considers whether student works ought to be distinguished from other forms of literary property. It is concluded that individual controversies are better solved nonjudicially, through an institutional/administrative framework. (LBH)

Discusses concerns regarding the Internet and its relationship to law and ethics. Answers questions about use of Internet sites, copyright issues, graphics, and other features in stories. (PA)

Examines legal issues important to the library and information sector of the European Union. Discusses European Commission directives on length of copyright term, software, renting and lending, and database copyright. Reports on the Magill case on copyright in, and abuse of dominant position by, the copyright owners of television listings.…

Provides an overview of legal issues related to licensing entertainment rights for multimedia source materials, including the grant of rights clause, copyright ownership, territory and languages, term provision, specifications, approvals/controls, royalties, guilds, bankruptcies, termination of the license, and confidentiality. Common mistakes…

Explores issues related to legal considerations of the widespread use of the Internet worldwide. Topics considered include: e-mail; data theft and piracy; search and seizure; electronic banking; offensive behavior; liability; copyright infringement; laws regulating the Internet; and the Telecommunications Act. (PEN)

Discusses the controversy over the arrangement between UMI, a company that stores, reproduces, and sells master's theses and doctoral dissertations, and the commercially based online retailer, Contentville.com. Both American and Canadian scholars have been surprised to find their work being offered, without their permission, for sale online by…

The issue of library photocopying of copyrighted materials is examined from a historical perspective and with reference to proposed legislative revisions including the establishment of a compulsory licensing for reproduction. The author proposes that publishers be awarded compensation from the federal government for granting educational use of…

This paper discusses the fair use doctrine added to the Copyright Revision Act, Public Law 94-553 (October, 1976). Fair use, an exception to the exclusive rights of copyright, is an assurance to the public of reasonable access to its heritage as guaranteed by the First and Ninth Amendments to the Constitution. Several important cases are described…

A clear description of what educators, administrators, or students may and may not copy under the various provisions of the Copyright Law Revision of 1976 is attempted, but the author concludes that the language of the law itself makes such a description impossible. (LBH)

Some of the problems posed by the more significant new technologies in their relation to the copyright law are described. Included in the discussion are cable television, reprography (especially Xeroxing and comparable processes), and the computer. A federal Technology Commission is proposed. (LBH)

Intended to aid members of the academic community who produce written material (this includes instructors and students) in conforming to the requirements of U.S. copyright law, this easy-to-understand guide presents a current overview of relevant sections of the Copyright Act. The guide is in question and answer format and discusses: the…

Ownership rights in a law review article, possibilities for contractual modification, and limitations on copyright ownership are examined. It is concluded that reviewer and writer should both register at the Copyright Office and place notice of copyright in the journal. (Journal availability: William S. Hein & Co., 1285 Main St., Buffalo, NY…