Copyright has always been cloudy for me. I've watched the Disney explanation on it and also the "Getting Started" video, but remained confused still.
After Googling and looking into the definition more, I gained an understanding. Even though there are certain limitations on how to use something that is copyrighted, you are allowed to use them.
According to the U.S. Copyright Office website, " One of the rights accorded to the owner of copyright is the right to reproduce or to authorize others to reproduce the work in copies or phonorecords. This right is subject to certain limitations found in sections 107 through 118 of the copyright law (title 17, U. S. Code). One of the more important limitations is the doctrine of 'fair use.' The doctrine of fair use has developed through a substantial number of court decisions over the years and has been codified in section 107 of the copyright law.
The distinction between fair use and infringement may be unclear and not easily defined. There is no specific number of words, lines, or notes that may safely be taken without permission. Acknowledging the source of the copyrighted material does not substitute for obtaining permission."
In reading this on their website, I understood the difference between the two. Because I like to read what something is about and have an idea of how it can be applied (or an example), I believe that's why I've struggled in completely understanding it in the past. Until this course, I was a little fuzzy on the subject but completely respect and understand that when copyright is in violation, there is a problem. If I spend my time to create something, establish an idea, etc. I wouldn't be happy if someone took it without providing proper attribution to me. The same goes for a company. They spend money on research, hiring employees or other companies to help, production of product/idea and for someone to come along and use what they have isn't right.
The website broke down there is not a specific explanation for fair use, stating it may be unclear. It also explained more in-depth about what copyright protects.
The closing point I think is important was inclusion if there was any doubt to contact an attorney. Lawyers would have a better understanding if you are committing a violation and can guide you on what to do to avoid it.
How I figured it out: Copyright protects an author on how they express themselves (think of the case of the lawsuit against Hangover 2 because of the Mike Tyson-like tattoo used in the movie. Since this was someone's work and it was a very close replica, it was considered copyright infringement), but does not protect against extended ideas, systems or factual information conveyed in the work (basically just protects your work--that one tattoo is protected but you can make something you interpret in your own way).
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