Copyright

Copyright...

• is an automatic right which allows those who create content to dictate how others can use that content
• does not protect ideas
• does protect the expression of ideas (e.g., writing down or drawing the idea)
• is determined by law*.

See more about this in the 'What is Copyright' section of this guide.

*Mainly the Copyright Designs and Patents Act of 1988, the Copyright and Related Rights Regulations of 2003, and the Copyright and Rights in Performances Regulations of 2014

The following are examples of works that may be protected by copyright:

• books
• plays
• websites
• blogs
• photos
• diagrams
• graphs
• films
• charts
• paintings
• sculptures
• songs
• tunes
• TV/radio programmes
• CDs
• music downloads
• DVDs
• filmed lectures
• podcasts…

See more about this in the 'What is Copyright' section of this guide, including how long the copyright protection lasts for different types of works.

1. Websites: it is permissible to copy from websites according to Fair Dealing, even if there are terms and conditions that suggest otherwise.
2. Only make a single copy for yourself unless there is explicit permission to copy more.
3. Do not copy for commercial purposes unless there is explicit permission to do so.
4. Always acknowledge any copies you make, including the URL and the date accessed.
5. Library e-resources (online journals, e-books, databases): there is a licence which dictates who can use the resource and what you can do in terms of copying.  Points 2, 3 and 4 above usually apply but please check with Library Services (e-access@city.ac.uk) if you are not sure.

The following are specific ways of copying material, and are examples of things that may not be permitted if a work is copyrighted:

• photocopying
• scanning
• downloading or reproducing (e.g., in an essay or dissertation) material from a website
• emailing something you have copied
• taking photos (for example, taking a photo of pages from a book or other copyrighted work on your phone)
• filming (for example, filming a performance by some musicians)
• recording or downloading (for example, music or films)
• showing or playing material (for example, DVDs or CDs)
• using images…

See more about this on the 'What is copyright' section of this guide.

• You are permitted to re-use copyrighted material if it's for one of the following purposes:
  • your own private study
  • non-commercial research
  • criticism and review - to make a critical point, to support an argument, for example in an essay, dissertation or thesis, or when answering an examination question.
• Do not exceed safe copying limits. You may copy/scan…
  • a single chapter from a book
  • a single article from a journal issue
  • 5-10% of the whole work, even if this is more than a single chapter
• If you're not sure, there is more information on copying in the 'Fair Dealing and how to copy legally' section of this guide.
• Do not share copies
  • by making multiple photocopies
  • by email
  • via an online network (such as social media)

• Always acknowledge the source of any copies you make; see below for details of and a link to the referencing guide Cite Them Right. We also have paper copies of this resource that can be borrowed.

• The Copyright Hub (for information on copyright and how to obtain permission to use copyrighted material)
•  UK Copyright Literacy - lots of useful information about copyright and how to raise awareness of it in a fun way
• CopyrightUser.org (a website explaining copyright law in different contexts, including research, private study, and education)
• "Copyright Aware" (BBC)
• The Intellectual Property Office YouTube channel has lots of useful videos about copyright and Intellectual Property generally.
• TeenTech Awards Research Pack (PDF, 4.3 MB) (aimed at school pupils but contains plenty of good advice on IP and research)
• "Copyright Is Essential" (video produced by the Copyright Clearance Center) *
• "Day at School: Copyright and You" (video) *

* Note that these two videos were produced in the US so include some legal minutiae which do not apply in the UK. However they are useful introductions to general points about copyright.

'connection - sketch' by emilyvalenza (CC BY-NC 2.0) Accessed from Flickr 09/07/2015