Course Summary
This course provides an overview of copyright law, covering the basics of copyright, fair use, international copyright law, and more.Key Learning Points
- Learn the basics of copyright law and how it applies to various industries
- Understand fair use and how to determine if your use of copyrighted material is legal
- Explore international copyright law and how it differs from U.S. law
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the basics of copyright law and how it applies to various industries
- Determine if your use of copyrighted material is legal under the fair use doctrine
- Explore international copyright law and how it differs from U.S. law
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- None
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
- Video lectures
Similar Courses
- Trademark Law
- Patent Law
Notable People in This Field
- President and CEO, Association of American Publishers
- Executive Director, Authors Guild
Related Books
Description
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.
Knowledge
- Identify the basic elements of copyright
- Describe what copyright does and does not protect
- Explain the limits of copyright protection
- Analyze fair use and other complex doctrines that extend from copyright law
Outline
- What is Copyright?
- Introduction
- What Copyright is NOT (Copyright Basics)
- What Copyright Is
- What is Expression?
- Differentiating Expression from Ideas
- The Merger Doctrine
- Expression Does Not Extend to Facts
- Originality
- Creative Spark
- Authorship
- Pre-Course Survey (Optional)
- What You Don't Know About Copyright
- What Copyright is Not
- Quiz on Expression
- Expression vs. Ideas
- Module 1 Quiz
- Copyright's Basic Rights
- Copyright's Basic Structure
- The Reproduction Right
- The Reproduction Right: Actual Copying
- The Reproduction Right: Substantial Similarity
- Software Reproduction Right
- The Distribution Right
- Distribution on the Internet
- First Sale Doctrine
- Harney vs. Sony and A&E
- Can You "Import" Expensive Textbooks?
- Reproduction Right
- Distribution Right
- Module 2 Quiz
- Copyright's Advanced Rights
- The Adaptation Right
- The Public Performance Right
- The Aereo Case
- The Public Display Right
- Authorship
- Moral Rights
- Right of Integrity
- Attribution Rights
- Optional Reading: Aereo Case
- Moral Rights - U.S. vs. Europe
- The Adaptation Right
- Authorship
- Module 3 Quiz
- Limitations and Exceptions to Copyright
- Understanding Copyright Limits
- The Basics of Fair Use
- Ordinary Fair Use
- Transformative Fair Use
- Technological Fair Use
- What is Fair Use?
- Concluding Thoughts
- Post-Course Survey (Optional)
- Fair Use Basics
- Ordinary Fair Use
Summary of User Reviews
Read reviews of the Copyright Law course on Coursera. The course provides a comprehensive overview of copyright law, and many users found it helpful in understanding the legal aspects of creative works. However, some users found the course content to be too dry and technical.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
Comprehensive overview of copyright lawPros from User Reviews
- Helpful in understanding the legal aspects of creative works
- Provides a good introduction to copyright law
- Great for anyone interested in the field
- Instructors are knowledgeable and engaging
Cons from User Reviews
- Content can be too dry and technical
- Lacks practical application
- Some users found the course to be too basic
- Not suitable for advanced learners
- Limited interaction with instructors