This course is a study of the limited
statutory monopoly granted to the creators of
"original works of authorship" under the federal
law of copyright. The Copyright Act of 1976, as
amended, is the core of the course material. The
course begins by examining the requirements for
copyright protection and then moves on to explore
the kinds of works that qualify for copyright
protection, and the scope of rights granted to
copyright owners. The balance between the limited
monopoly privileges of copyright owners and the
rights guaranteed to the users of copyrighted
materials, through such mechanisms as the
idea/expression dichotomy, compulsory licenses,
and the "fair use" doctrine, are examined. The
formalities of registration and notice are also
studied, along with copyright duration, ownership,
assignment and licensing. The controversies
surrounding application of copyright law to new
technologies, including computer software and the
internet, is a theme that runs throughout the
course.
statutory monopoly granted to the creators of
"original works of authorship" under the federal
law of copyright. The Copyright Act of 1976, as
amended, is the core of the course material. The
course begins by examining the requirements for
copyright protection and then moves on to explore
the kinds of works that qualify for copyright
protection, and the scope of rights granted to
copyright owners. The balance between the limited
monopoly privileges of copyright owners and the
rights guaranteed to the users of copyrighted
materials, through such mechanisms as the
idea/expression dichotomy, compulsory licenses,
and the "fair use" doctrine, are examined. The
formalities of registration and notice are also
studied, along with copyright duration, ownership,
assignment and licensing. The controversies
surrounding application of copyright law to new
technologies, including computer software and the
internet, is a theme that runs throughout the
course.
- Teacher: Lydia Loren