Copyright and Intellectual Property Information

The Acquisitions Department of the University of Virginia Library has developed these pages about copyright law and Intellectual Property (IP) rights. More information for University of Virginia faculty, students, and staff is available by contacting Madelyn Wessel, Special Advisor to the University Librarian.

Web Stewardship, Web Responsibilities (for U.Va. faculty, students, & staff)
U.Va. General Counsel Memoranda on copyright responsibilities of web publishers and website owners. (09/25/2009)

US and International Law
Links to the US Copyright Office as well as sites describing European, Australian and Japanese laws, the Berne treaty, WIPO, and other useful posts concerning basic copyright laws.

Public Domain Information
Find out when works pass into the public domain in the U.S.

Fair Use Information
Use of materials in the classroom is not always protected by Fair Use. Included here are links to the four factors in assessing Fair Use as well as links to other sites that discuss confusing and controversial issues in the use of protected materials.

Getting Copyright Holder Permission
If materials are not in the Public Domain and Fair Use does not apply, check here about how to get permission from the copyright holder.

Intellectual Property Organizations
Many organizations are interested in copyright law and intellectual property issues.

Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ was developed at the University of Texas.