Copyright protects all of the following:

• An author's original work.
• Legitimate derivative works.
• Material an author legally adds to already-copyrighted work
• The selection, coordination, and arrangement of a compilation.

What is copyright infringement?

Copyright infringement (aka copyright piracy) occurs when a person other than the copyright owner exploits one or more of the copyright owner's exclusive rights without the owner's permission. Such use is theft.

Copyright law does not prevent infringment from occurring. It does offer remedies for situations in which infringment does occur: the owner can obtain damages, penalties, and reimbursements.

Next: How does Copyright Infringement differ from Plagiarism?
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Copyright © March, 1997, by Carol Scheftic (based on original work at The Geometry Center and used with permission). All rights reserved.
Please send comments on this page, or requests for permission to re-use material from this page, to: scheftic@geom.umn.edu