Title 17: Copyrights
Copyright law including subject matter, exclusive rights, fair use, duration, registration, infringement, and the DMCA.
13 chapters · 85 sections · 6 key sections available
Key Sections (6)
Subject Matter of Copyright — In General
Copyright protects original creative works fixed in a tangible form — books, music, art, films, software, and architecture. However, copyright never protects ideas themselves, only the specific expression of ideas.
Limitations on Exclusive Rights — Fair Use
Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes like criticism, teaching, and research. Courts weigh four factors including the purpose, amount used, and market impact.
DMCA Safe Harbor — Limitations on Liability Relating to Material Online
Online platforms are not liable for copyright-infringing content posted by users if they do not know about it and promptly remove it when notified. This is the DMCA takedown system.
Duration of Copyright — Works Created on or After January 1, 1978
Copyright lasts for the author's lifetime plus 70 years. For works made for hire, anonymous, or pseudonymous works, copyright lasts 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation.
Exclusive Rights in Copyrighted Works
Copyright owners have six exclusive rights: reproduction, derivative works, distribution, public performance, public display, and digital audio transmission of sound recordings. These rights are subject to fair use and other limitations.
Copyright Act
Governs copyright protection for original works of authorship including literary, musical, dramatic, and artistic works. Grants creators exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, perform, and display their works.