MANAGEMENT: Legal Issues - Copyright

Copyright law protects all original works regardless of whether these works are published or have commercial value.

Copyright applies to literary, dramatic, artistic, and musical works as well as performances, sound recordings, and communication signals. (Examples: a song, a novel, a play, a computer program)

Copyright does not apply to the title for a song, the ideas for a plot, a method of staging a play, works in the public domain (i.e. Shakespeare because he has been dead for more than 50 years), the facts in an article, and the name of a program (unless protected as a registered trademark).

When can copyrighted material be used?

  • Public domain works
  • Fair dealing
  • Access Copyright: General license provided for Saskatchewan schools that permits photocopying of most print resources. Refer to the license for copying restrictions.
  • ERRC: Educational Rights Collective of Canada represents the interests of copyright owners of television and radio programs
  • SOCAN: Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada administers performing rights in muscial works
  • CPCC: Canadian Private Copying Collective administers the private copying levy
  • Audio Cine Films Inc: Public performance licensing agent for Canadian, American, and foreign film producers
  • Visual Education Centre: Public performance licensing agent for Canadian, American and foreign film producers

Scenarios to practice...
"Spot the Infringement"
examples appear with permission from PLEA
Public Legal Education Association

How can you avoid copyright infringement?

Become informed:
    ... Copyright Matters! Some Key Questions and Answers for Teachers
    ... A Guide to Copyrights
    ... The Copyright Act

Acquire Permission:
    ... Contact the Copyright Office to locate the copyright holder and acquire permission to use their material
Cite Sources and Avoid Plagiarism: more...
Site Map|Centralischool|Credits|FAQ