Myth: If it doesn’t say ‘copyright’ or have the copyright symbol on it,
then it isn’t copyrighted. Fact:
A work doesn’t have to say copyright on it to
be protected. You should assume that a work is protected and should not be copied
until you know otherwise.
Myth: I don’t need permission to use material for educational purposes. Fact: You may not need to get
permission to project an image in a classroom, and some works are specifically
licensed for other educational uses. Keep in mind though, that other
educational uses of images and media
do
require you to get permission (republishing on the web for example).
Myth: No one will find out that I’ve used it. Fact: There have been cases at
Queen’s of copyright owners asserting their rights and asking authors to remove
material used without permission.
Myth: Fair dealing allows me to use 10% of any work. Fact: Fair dealing is a complex
component of the Canadian Copyright Act that allows copying for research or
private study, criticism or review, and news reporting. The Act does not
specify the amount of a work that is allowed to be copied. Note: teaching does
not fall under fair dealing as it has its own exemptions within the Act.
Myth: If I post to MedTech, SONIT, Rehab Central or Moodle then it’s
behind a password so I don’t have to worry about copyright. Fact: You should always be sure you
are using material legally. Keep in mind that material could be downloaded from
MedTech by students or others and posted elsewhere and you are responsible for
content you create.
Myth: I’ve cited it so now I can use it however I like. Fact: While citing is often enough
for portions of text-based content, when you are working with an image or other
media you should be sure that you are allowed to use it in your material. You
may have gotten the content from a source that explicitly allows use or you may
have to seek permission from the copyright holder. Keep in mind: even with
permission to use something you should always cite it to give credit to the
original creator.
Myth: It is legal to copy a work if I give the original creator credit. Fact: See above.
Myth: Teaching material I create isn’t covered by copyright. Fact: All original literary,
dramatic, musical and artistic works are covered by copyright. This includes
teaching material.
Myth: I have to apply to copyright protect my work. Fact: In Canada, when you create an
original work, it is automatically copyright protected.
