\u201cCopyright\u201d is a legal right to control the<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(i) copying,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(ii) distribution,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(iii) modification,<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(iv) display, and<\/p>\n\n\n\n
(v) performance<\/p>\n\n\n\n
of certain types of works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The types of works include creative intellectual endeavors, such as literary, artistic, and musical works, that have been \u201cfixed\u201d in tangible form. To \u201cfix\u201d them in tangible form, the creator must record them on paper, electronically, on magnetic tape, or in other physical media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Copyright protects the expression of an idea but not the idea itself. Thus a play may not be copied or performed without the copyright owner\u2019s permission, but the basic plot idea may be used by others if they supply their own creativity in writing new plays based on that plot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mere facts and single words do not qualify for copyright protection. Database or spreadsheet information often fails to qualify for copyright. The statute grants copyright to \u201coriginal works of authorship\u201d and the courts have read this to mean there must be a creative aspect. However, the courts do not require much creativity, and even simple notes or email generally qualify for copyright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Copyright vests automatically upon creation of a work. It is owned by the author, or in some cases by the person who hires the author under a doctrine known as \u201cwork for hire.\u201d A copyright may be \u201cassigned\u201d in whole or in part to another party, it may be shared by joint authors, and all or part of it may be shared and\/or divided among different parties through \u201clicenses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ownership of the physical embodiment of a copyrighted work, like a book or compact disk or painting, does not include ownership of the underlying copyright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most email, Web pages, and computer files are copyrighted even if they do not say so. Downloading, uploading, or forwarding may infringe the rights of the copyright owner. If in doubt, ask the owner\u2019s permission or consult with an attorney.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NC State addresses copyright ownership questions on campus through an administrative regulation on copyright at https:\/\/policies.ncsu.edu\/regulation\/reg-01-25-03\/<\/a>. See also the policy statement on copyright infringement at https:\/\/policies.ncsu.edu\/regulation\/reg-01-25-02-copyright-infringement-policy-statement\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basics of copyright law<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n See http:\/\/www.loc.gov\/copyright\/circs\/index.html#circ1<\/a>. This Web page is provided by the United States Copyright Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Text of the copyright law<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The text of the federal statute on copyright can be accessed at http:\/\/www4.law.cornell.edu\/uscode\/17\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Note: this source may not be fully updated or accurate; viewers should refer to the official published hard copy version of the United States Code for an authoritative source, along with all update publications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional links<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n