According to the Copyright Basics website for GMU  "Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of “original works of authorship” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works."  This is perhaps the most important part of copyright information one would need ot know when setting up a website.  It protects you and others.  Just because the interenet offers almost endless free access to texts and images does not mean that it is all there for the taking.  All the texts and images took time and effort to make by someone and that someone deserves at least the credit for it.  Most sites have copyright information but those that do not still have copyright protection.  To be on the safe side you should get permission or simply cite where you got your text, image, or whatever.  Also be sure that your website has your own copyright information.  If you don't want anybody using your original words or images you should state explicitly on every page that you wish your copyright to apply.  It is okay to forbid anyone else's use of your products, by law it belongs to you.  Or if you're alright with others using things from your website provide information so that they can cite you as the creator.  In the end the copyright laws were created to protect all of us, our ideas, and our creations.

George Mason University "Copyright Basics"
http://www.doiiit.gmu.edu/copyright.htm

scales image from: http://www.txcrt.state.md.us/

For more information or links about George Mason's copyright policies visit:
http://www.gmu.edu/mlnavbar/webdev/copyright.html



© 2005 Stephanie Thompson
updated on 14 June 2005
email me: sthompsd@gmu.edu