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The University community is affected by copyright legislation in many different ways. These pages are intended to provide contacts and resources that may assist UM faculty in effectively navigating copyright concerns. All costs and fees associated with obtaining copyright permission(s) are the sole responsibility of the individual(s) seeking copyright permission, and not the Mansfield Library.

Copyrighted materials are protected from infringing and other illegal use by federal and state laws. Wilful misuse by UM employees or students can result in severe penalties including fines and imprisonment for individuals, as well as employee termination and student expulsion. Guidance provided by the Mansfield Library should not be considered legal counsel.

Approved by Library Management Group August 4, 2005
Approved by University Counsel October 11, 2005

Last updated Nov. 9, 2007

Any original work, created by an author, fixed in a tangible medium of expression, is very likely to be protected by copyright. This includes books, articles, photographs, music, movies, sound and video recordings, websites, software, architecture, choreography, and even letters, doodles and graffiti. No copyright symbol ( © ) or statement is required to protect a work, and educational use doesn't automatically grant permission. Unless the proposed use of copyrighted materials falls into one of the exemptions described below, such use must have explicit and specific permission from the copyright holder.

The process for determining copyright ownership and use restrictions, as well as for seeking use permission, can take considerable time. UM instructors, staff and students desiring to use copyrighted materials should carefully determine intended use(s) of these materials and then undertake a copyright use and permission analysis as early as possible before such use proceeds.