Plagiarism and Copyright

| What is a copyright ? | What is copyright infringement? | What are the consequences for copyright infringement? |
| How can I obtain permission to use a copyrighted work? | What is "Fair Use"? | How can I obtain a copyright on my work? | Resource Links |

What is a copyright?

A copyright protects a creator from having his/her original work (literature, image, song, etc.) stolen by another person (who may use it as their own). The owner of a copyright is the one who may allow copies, edits, or distributions on that work. A registered copyright lasts the creator's entire lifetime, plus seventy years after their death.

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What is copyright infringement?

Infringement is any unauthorized use or duplication of a copyrighted work. This includes the scanning of images (images created or printed in the last 75 years that are not in public domain) and verbatim text from literature (books, articles, etc.).

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What are the consequences for copyright infringement?

There are two levels of damages: university related and law related. Rutgers provides their entire policy on their "Academic Integrity" page. In terms of the law, it is generally up to a court to decide full penalties (which can be up to $100,000 plus the loss of revenue of the original creator).

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How can I obtain permission to use a copyrighted work?

A "permission form" signed by the original creator is perfectly acceptable. It should include the reasons for using the work, and how exactly it will be used. If the work is used in ways not set forth by this permission form, copyright infringement will have occurred, and penalties may accrue.

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What is "Fair Use"?

"Fair use" implies that while a work may be copyrighted, for certain special circumstances, it is within the bounds of the law to use said work. Newsworthy and educational purposes are the main reasons for fair use. There are a few factors to take into consideration to determine whether something is being used with fair use:

1) the purpose of the use (for example, if it is for profit)
2) how much of the original work is used
3) the effect the use will have on the market for the original work

Of course, be sure to read over the "Student Responsibilities" page, also located on Rutgers' "Adademic Integrity" page.

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How can I obtain a copyright on my work?

The United States Copyright office handles requests for copyrights.

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Resource Links

U.S. Copyright Office FAQ (http://www.copyright.gov/faq.html)
A large compilation of the most frequently asked questions concerning copyrights.

Academic Integrity, Rutgers New Brunswick (http://teachx.rutgers.edu/integrity)
Contains the formal written academic integrity policy, as well as student and faculty responsibilities, etc.

Rutgers University Libraries: Copyright Information (http://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/rul/rr_gateway/research_guides/copyright/copyright.shtml)
A comprehensive list of guides and FAQs for Rutgers University faculty and students concerning copyright issues and plagiarism.

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