Copyright Law of the United States

• Title 17 of U.S. Code
• Overview of the law from Cornell University Law School’s Legal Information Institute
• The United States Copyright Office has more detailed information about specific laws and regulations, allows you to search copyright records, view related publications, and stay up to date with changes in copyright law.

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (DMCA)

The DMCA was incorporated into Title 17 of the U.S. Code and updated the law to address copyrighted works available in digital formats. Two important provisions of this law are: the strengthening of copyright holders rights to control and restrict access to their work available digitally, and expanding libraries’ ability to make copies of print resources available for interlibrary loan and for preservation purposes.

• The Law
• Summary of the law from the U.S. Copyright Office PDF
• American Library Association’s Summary of DMCA

Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization (TEACH) Act

Section 110(2) of Title 17 U.S. Code, often known as the TEACH Act, identifies specific uses of copyrighted works that are acceptable in a distance learning environment.  Taking advantage of this section can be complicated because of the Act's many requirements.

• The Law: Public Law 107–273-NOV. 2, 2002 Division C, Title III, Subtitle C, Educational Use Copyright Exemption, Begins on page 116 Stat 1910 (Page 154 of the PDF)
• Overview of the TEACH Act from the University of Texas Libraries.
• Understanding the Classroom Use exemption and the TEACH Act, comparing the rights of use granted by U.S. copyright law for in-person and online education, from Arizona State University.
• American Library Association’s Summary of the TEACH Act

This website presents information about copyright law. The University Libraries make every effort to assure the accuracy of this information but do not offer it as counsel or legal advice. Consult an attorney for advice concerning your specific situation.