Commonly Asked Questions about Copyright for Teachers:

How do I know if something is copyrighted?

Copyright means the legal right granted to an author, composer, playwright, publisher, or distributor to exclusive publication, production, sale, or distribution of a literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work. A product is copyrighted when it is fixed in a tangible form.

The Copyright Website
The United States Copyright Office
Teacher FAQ’s about copyright

When is it okay to use someone else's work for educational purposes?

Fair Use is described with four criteria that give educators a guide to their rights to be able to use copyrighted materials for educational purposes.
Educator’s Guide to Copyright and Fair Use
Copyright for Educators (video)
Fair Use in the K-12 Classroom

How can I help?

There are some websites that allow you to share your created materials.
Creative Commons
Curriki
Flickr - Photos

What are some resource websites that can help me avoid using copyrighted materials?

There are several websites that were created to promote the sharing of materials and ideas. Make sure you follow the guidelines to each site to properly use the resources.

Copyright Friendly Sites 1
Copyright Friendly Sites 2



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