Copyright for Multimedia from Coursera

Copyright questions about different formats (data, images, music and video) can be especially difficult. Sometimes the law specifically distinguishes between these different formats, and in most cases there are media-specific considerations that impact a copyright analysis. In this course we will look at four different media, paying special attention to the unique issues for each one and the kinds of information that is important when making copyright decisions for each type of material. We will work through fair use issues for each multimedia format, look at format-specific exceptions in the law, and consider unique issues for seeking permission for film, music, images and data.

At the end of this course, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to apply our framework for making copyright decisions, and will be more comfortable with assessing multimedia issues. They will have gained more and more diverse experience for considering fair use.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and Getting Started

Copyright questions about different formats – data, images, music and video – can be especially difficult. Sometimes the law specifically distinguishes between these different formats, and in most cases there are media-specific considerations that impact a copyright analysis. In this course we will look at four different media types, paying special attention to the unique issues for each one and the kinds of information that are important when making copyright decisions. We will work through fair use issues for each multimedia format, look at specific exceptions in the law, and consider unique issues for seeking permission for film, music, images and data. At the end of this course, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to apply our framework for making copyright decisions, and will be more comfortable with assessing multimedia issues.

Data

Data can refer to many different types of materials, and the copyright situation is different depending on what particular type of data is meant. In this module we will consider the different potential types of data, the rights associated with each one, and the copyright considerations involved when using data. We will look carefully at how fair use applies in various data-use situations.

Images

Those who create or use works of visual arts benefit from an understanding copyright protections and exemptions. Topics covered in this module include which works of visual arts get copyright protection, what special rights are afforded artists under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA), how to apply the TEACH Act and fair use to images, and what steps to take if you need to seek permission. Finally, some attention will be given to social media, implied licenses that can arise when posting and using images, and privacy.

Music and Audio

Copyright for music, and especially for recording music, is extremely complicated and difficult to untangle. In this module we will explore the multiple rights that must be accounted for in almost every musical composition or recording. We will pay special attention to the multitude of licenses that come in to play when creating or using music. Exceptions for using music in teaching will be covered, and we will examine fair use considerations for different musical situations in detail. This is a module that has important implications for musicians, music teachers, librarians, and all those who want to use or reuse music.

Film and Video

Copyright issues for film tend to be complicated because of the number of creators and creative works that come together to make them. In this module, students will learn to apply the fundamentals of copyright with regard to film. Topics covered include identification of the various rights and rights holders involved in many films, the role of copyright exceptions when creating or using film in educational settings, and when and how to seek permission to make use of copyrighted material in films.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills in assessing multimedia and applying a framework for making copyright decisions

Taught by instructors who are recognized for their expertise in copyright law and multimedia issues

Examines copyright issues for film, music, images, and data, which are highly relevant to librarians, musicians, music teachers, and those who use or reuse music

Provides a deeper understanding of copyright law and its application to multimedia formats

Covers unique perspectives on copyright law as it applies to different multimedia formats

Requires learners to come in with background knowledge of copyright law

Reviews summary

Clear copyright concepts

Learners say this course clears up common misconceptions about the legal framework of copyright. Additionally, the course is well-received for its engaging lectures and its relevant discussions on real-world applications of copyright law.

Examines copyright law in practice.

"While having a heavy emphasis on the educational exclusion in US Copyright Code, there was plenty of useful information about copyright that is good for anyone who posts things on the Internet."

Makes complex ideas easy to understand.

"I loved every bit of the lectures."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Copyright for Multimedia with these activities:

Review Basic Legal Principles

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Strengthen understanding of legal concepts essential for grasping copyright principles.

Browse courses on Copyright Law

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Review legal terms and definitions.
Explore key legal principles such as contracts, torts, and property law.

Review The Copyright Handbook

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Gain a deeper understanding of copyright law by reviewing a key reference book on the subject.

View Public Domain, The: How to Find & Use Copyright... on Amazon

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Read selected chapters relevant to the course topics.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Discuss key takeaways with classmates or the instructor.

Complete a Copyright MOOC

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Enhance understanding of copyright by completing an online course or tutorial.

Browse courses on Copyright Law

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Choose a reputable Copyright MOOC.
Enroll in the course and complete the modules and assignments.
Contribute to online discussions and forums.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

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Engage in peer discussions to clarify questions, share insights, and enhance understanding of copyright issues.

Browse courses on Fair Use

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Prepare questions or topics for discussion.
Participate actively in the discussion, sharing knowledge and perspectives.
Take notes and document key points discussed.

Analyze film and video clips

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Engage in hands-on practice analyzing film and video clips to solidify understanding of copyright issues.

Browse courses on Copyright Law

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Select a film or video clip that involves multiple rights holders.
Identify the various rights and rights holders involved.
Analyze how copyright exceptions apply to the use of the clip in different educational settings.
Determine when and how to seek permission to make use of copyrighted material in films.

Create a Copyright Tutorial

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Deepen understanding by creating a comprehensive tutorial that explains copyright fundamentals for multimedia formats.

Browse courses on Fair Use

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Choose a specific multimedia format (e.g., images, music, data).
Research copyright laws and principles applicable to the chosen format.
Develop a clear and concise outline for the tutorial.
Create written, visual, or audio content to explain copyright concepts.
Proofread and finalize the tutorial, ensuring it is well-organized and informative.

Develop a Copyright Compliance Plan

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Apply knowledge by developing a practical plan to ensure compliance with copyright law in a specific context.

Browse courses on Data Protection

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Define the scope and objectives of the copyright compliance plan.
Identify potential copyright risks and vulnerabilities.
Develop strategies to mitigate copyright risks and ensure compliance.
Create documentation and procedures to support the implementation of the plan.
Review and update the plan regularly to ensure its effectiveness.

Create a Copyright Fair Use Analysis Tool

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Develop a tool that facilitates the analysis of fair use principles in specific copyright scenarios.

Browse courses on Copyright Law

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Gather data and research relevant case studies.
Design and develop the tool.
Test the tool on a variety of scenarios.
Evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of the tool.
Document and publish the tool for use by others.

Career center

Learners who complete Copyright for Multimedia will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Publisher

Music Publishers acquire and manage the rights to musical compositions and recordings. The course will provide Publishers with a thorough understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to music. This knowledge will help Publishers to negotiate and draft copyright agreements, and to advise their clients on how to protect their musical works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Publisher

Entertainment Lawyer

Entertainment Lawyers represent clients in the entertainment industry, including musicians, actors, writers, and directors. The course will provide Lawyers with a comprehensive understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to different multimedia formats. This knowledge will help Lawyers to negotiate and draft copyright agreements, and to advise their clients on how to protect their creative works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entertainment Lawyer

Copyright and Licensing Specialists help organizations manage their intellectual property rights. The course will provide Specialists with a comprehensive understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to different multimedia formats. This knowledge will help Specialists to effectively negotiate and draft copyright agreements, and to advise their clients on how to protect their creative works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copyright and Licensing Specialist

Television Producer

Television Producers oversee the development and production of television programs. The course will provide Producers with a thorough understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to television. This knowledge will help Producers to secure the rights to the works they need to produce their programs, and to avoid potential copyright infringement issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Television Producer

Film Producer

Film Producers oversee the development and production of motion pictures. The course will provide Producers with a thorough understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to film. This knowledge will help Producers to secure the rights to the works they need to produce their films, and to avoid potential copyright infringement issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Film Producer

Media Librarian

Media Librarians manage and provide access to collections of multimedia materials, including books, films, music, and images. The course will help Librarians to understand the copyright implications of acquiring, preserving, and providing access to these materials. It will also provide them with the skills they need to develop copyright policies and procedures for their libraries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Media Librarian

Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and publish news stories. The course will provide Journalists with a basic understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to journalism. This knowledge will help Journalists to avoid potential copyright infringement issues, and to protect their own creative works.

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Graphic designer

Graphic Designers create and develop visual concepts, using computer software or by hand, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. The course will provide Designers with a basic understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to graphic design. This knowledge will help Designers to avoid potential copyright infringement issues, and to protect their own creative works.

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Video Game Developer

Video Game Developers create and develop video games. The course will provide Developers with a basic understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to video games. This knowledge will help Developers to avoid potential copyright infringement issues, and to protect their own creative works.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. The course will provide Librarians with a basic understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to libraries. This knowledge will help Librarians to avoid potential copyright infringement issues, and to protect the rights of their patrons.

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Teacher

Teachers may instruct students in a variety of academic subjects. The course will provide Teachers with a basic understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to education. This knowledge will help Teachers to avoid potential copyright infringement issues, and to protect their own creative works.

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Multimedia Developer

Multimedia Developers work with a variety of technologies to create interactive experiences for users. This course may be useful for Multimedia Developers who want to gain a deeper understanding of copyright law as it relates to different multimedia formats. The course will help Developers identify and avoid potential copyright infringement issues, and will provide them with the tools they need to make informed decisions about using copyrighted material in their work.

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Web Designer

Web Designers create and develop websites. The course will provide Designers with a basic understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to websites. This knowledge will help Designers to avoid potential copyright infringement issues, and to protect their own creative works.

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Photographer

Photographers take pictures for a wide range of purposes, including commercial, artistic, and personal use. The course will provide Photographers with a basic understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to photography. This knowledge will help Photographers to protect their own creative works and to avoid potential copyright infringement issues.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and provide access to historical documents and artifacts. The course will provide Archivists with a basic understanding of copyright law, including the specific provisions that apply to archives. This knowledge will help Archivists to avoid potential copyright infringement issues, and to protect the rights of their patrons.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist