Copyright law is unique in the greater intellectual property regime, as it protects original expression that is fixed in a tangible medium and is the product of authorship. This course is designed for creative professionals — such as screenwriters, musicians, documentary filmmakers or artists — who want to understand the scope and limits of which works can enjoy U.S. copyright protection. The course will introduce students to the workings of copyright law through an examination of the system’s basic principles, rules, and institutions. Topics will include; the justifications for copyright law, copyrightable subject matter, authorship, the nature and scope of copyright’s exclusive rights, fair use, and remedies for infringement.
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Copyright law is unique in the greater intellectual property regime, as it protects original expression that is fixed in a tangible medium and is the product of authorship. This course is designed for creative professionals — such as screenwriters, musicians, documentary filmmakers or artists — who want to understand the scope and limits of which works can enjoy U.S. copyright protection. The course will introduce students to the workings of copyright law through an examination of the system’s basic principles, rules, and institutions. Topics will include; the justifications for copyright law, copyrightable subject matter, authorship, the nature and scope of copyright’s exclusive rights, fair use, and remedies for infringement.
Copyright law is unique in the greater intellectual property regime, as it protects original expression that is fixed in a tangible medium and is the product of authorship. This course is designed for creative professionals — such as screenwriters, musicians, documentary filmmakers or artists — who want to understand the scope and limits of which works can enjoy U.S. copyright protection. The course will introduce students to the workings of copyright law through an examination of the system’s basic principles, rules, and institutions. Topics will include; the justifications for copyright law, copyrightable subject matter, authorship, the nature and scope of copyright’s exclusive rights, fair use, and remedies for infringement.
We will also explore real-world examples of legal battles surrounding copyright law, from the recent litigation over Robin Thicke’s hit song “Blurred Lines” to more peculiar cases such as the infamous “monkey selfie” case. By understanding what copyright does and does not protect, producers of creative expression will be able to protect and maximize the commercial value of their works.
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Syllabus
What is Copyright?
We begin our examination of copyright law by exploring what works are eligible for copyright protection, and the basic requirements for attaining copyright protection.
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Syllabus
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Reviews summary
Highly praised copyright law course
Provides practical examples and case studies
Suitable for both lawyers and non-lawyers
Covers fundamental principles of copyright law
Praised for clear and engaging lectures
Activities
Review copyright basics
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Refresh your understanding of basic copyright principles to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Show steps
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Read through the U.S. Copyright Office website
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Review any prior notes or materials on copyright law
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Complete a practice quiz on copyright basics
Review Copyright Law Concepts
Show steps
Refreshes foundational understanding of copyright concepts
Browse courses on
Copyright
Show steps
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Define 'copyright' and its significance in protecting creative expression
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Classify different types of works eligible for copyright protection
Complete the Copyright Basics Tutorial on the U.S. Copyright Office Website
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of copyright law through interactive tutorials.
Show steps
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Visit the U.S. Copyright Office website and locate the Copyright Basics tutorial.
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Work through the tutorial, taking notes on key concepts.
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Complete the quiz at the end of the tutorial to test your comprehension.
Four other activities
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Summarize a Copyright Law Case
Show steps
Summarizing a real-world case enhances understanding of copyright law's application
Show steps
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Select a significant copyright case involving original expression
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Analyze the facts, legal principles, and court's reasoning
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Write a concise and informative summary highlighting the key legal issues and their resolution
Analyze Copyright Fair Use Scenarios
Show steps
Applying fair use principles strengthens the ability to navigate copyright's limitations
Show steps
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Review the criteria for fair use
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Evaluate hypothetical situations and determine whether the use of copyrighted material qualifies as fair use
Participate in a Copyright Law Discussion Group
Show steps
Engage with peers and discuss complex copyright issues.
Show steps
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Find or create a discussion group focused on copyright law.
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Participate in discussions, sharing your insights and learning from others.
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Present a case study or topic for discussion, facilitating a deeper understanding.
Create a Copyright Infringement Scenario and Analysis
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of copyright law to a practical scenario.
Browse courses on
Copyright Infringement
Show steps
-
Develop a hypothetical scenario involving potential copyright infringement.
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Identify the relevant copyright issues and conduct a fair use analysis.
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Write a detailed report outlining your analysis and conclusions.
Review copyright basics
Show steps
Refresh your understanding of basic copyright principles to strengthen your foundation for this course.
Show steps
- Read through the U.S. Copyright Office website
- Review any prior notes or materials on copyright law
- Complete a practice quiz on copyright basics
Review Copyright Law Concepts
Show steps
Refreshes foundational understanding of copyright concepts
Browse courses on
Copyright
Show steps
- Define 'copyright' and its significance in protecting creative expression
- Classify different types of works eligible for copyright protection
Complete the Copyright Basics Tutorial on the U.S. Copyright Office Website
Show steps
Reinforce your understanding of copyright law through interactive tutorials.
Show steps
- Visit the U.S. Copyright Office website and locate the Copyright Basics tutorial.
- Work through the tutorial, taking notes on key concepts.
- Complete the quiz at the end of the tutorial to test your comprehension.
Summarize a Copyright Law Case
Show steps
Summarizing a real-world case enhances understanding of copyright law's application
Show steps
- Select a significant copyright case involving original expression
- Analyze the facts, legal principles, and court's reasoning
- Write a concise and informative summary highlighting the key legal issues and their resolution
Analyze Copyright Fair Use Scenarios
Show steps
Applying fair use principles strengthens the ability to navigate copyright's limitations
Show steps
- Review the criteria for fair use
- Evaluate hypothetical situations and determine whether the use of copyrighted material qualifies as fair use
Participate in a Copyright Law Discussion Group
Show steps
Engage with peers and discuss complex copyright issues.
Show steps
- Find or create a discussion group focused on copyright law.
- Participate in discussions, sharing your insights and learning from others.
- Present a case study or topic for discussion, facilitating a deeper understanding.
Create a Copyright Infringement Scenario and Analysis
Show steps
Apply your knowledge of copyright law to a practical scenario.
Browse courses on
Copyright Infringement
Show steps
- Develop a hypothetical scenario involving potential copyright infringement.
- Identify the relevant copyright issues and conduct a fair use analysis.
- Write a detailed report outlining your analysis and conclusions.
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