The following list of resources has been compiled from the federal government, media organizations which protect copyright holders' interests, and several universities. These Web sites offer useful information regarding copyright violations, consequences, and the types of software that put you in danger of copyright infringement.
Resources at UMass Amherst
- The UMass Amherst Technology Transfer Office (TTO)
The TTO works to protect the intellectual property of UMass Amherst faculty. - The UMass Amherst Copyright Policy for Reserves
library.umass.edu/services/reserves/copyright-policy
This page explains the purpose of maintaining a Reserves collection and how to utilize these materials fairly.
Resources at other universities
While all Internet service providers are required to comply with the DMCA, procedures may vary by University.
- MIT's Copyright Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
kb.mit.edu/confluence/x/9wln
Find answers to commonly asked questions about copyright. - MIT's Frequently Asked Questions about P2P
kb.mit.edu/confluence/x/mAln
Find answers to commonly asked questions about P2P software. - Stanford's Copyright Law and Fair Use
fairuse.stanford.edu
A simplified glossary of terms, and how to tell when you're violating Fair Use. - The University of Delaware's Guide to Removing P2P Software
udel.edu/it/removing-p2p-software.html
The University of Delaware maintains instructions for disabling P2P software. - The University of Maryland's Copyright and Fair Use in the Classroom, on the Internet, and the World Wide Web
umuc.edu/library/libhow/copyright.cfm
This site offers a straightforward introduction to copyright, fair use, and educational multimedia guidelines.
Media organizations
- A Better Way Forward: Voluntary Collective Licensing of Music File Sharing
eff.org/wp/better-way-forward-voluntary-collective-licensing-music-file-sharing
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) seeks to establish a system of Voluntary Collective Licensing, an alternate method for sharing media safely, with no government intervention and fair earnings for all artists involved. - Electronic Frontier Foundation's (EFF) Information on Intellectual Property
eff.org/issues/intellectual-property
Read about intellectual property cases and how to avoid trespassing on others' intellectual property. - Motion Picture Association of America's (MPAA) Definition of Content Theft
mpaa.org/contentprotection/types-of-content-theft
Learn how the MPAA defines content theft and piracy, its various forms, and the consequences of pirating motion pictures or television programs. - Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA)
riaa.com
The RIAA's site includes news on piracy, tips on identifying pirated materials, and how to stay protected. - World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)'s Definition of Intellectual Property
wipo.int/about-ip/en
Learn the difference between the two categories of intellectual property: industrial property & copyright.
U.S. Copyright Office Information
- Copyright Law of the United States of America
copyright.gov/title17/92chap5.html
The U.S. Copyright Office's official definition of Copyright Law. - Search Copyright Information
copyright.gov/records
Browse the list of all copyrighted works registered with the U.S. Copyright Office since January 1, 1978. - The U.S. Copyright Office's List of F.A.Q.
copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-infringement.html
The most common questions posed to the U.S Copyright Office.