Copyrightlaws.com: Copyright courses and education in plain English
Copyrightlaws.com is the place for copyright education. Online eTutorials and Certificate programs to demystify copyright law.
2026 Specialists We have selected our Copyright Specialists in Residence for 2026 already. However, if you're interested in becoming a Copyright Specialist in Residence for 2027, please reach out to erin@copyrightlaws.com for more information. We will officially be opening applications in the fall. We look forward to hearing from you! Spring 2026 Our Copyright Specialist...
We invite you to join our newest newsletter: Copyrighting AI. By popular request, we have decided to create this new monthly newsletter to summarize the biggest stories related to copyright and generative AI around the world. As this is a rapidly-developing area, it can be hard to keep on top of all the opinions, court...
Erin Gurski, MA, has been the owner and CEO of Copyrightlaws.com since its Founder, Lesley Ellen Harris, retired in July of 2023. Erin is a copyright consultant and educator who has worked in the copyright sector for over a decade. She has worked with Copyrightlaws.com as a TA since 2019 helping to teach courses on...
The Fall 2026 Cohort is Now Open for pre-registration. Classes will begin on September 1st! We will be capping registration for this course at 20 students and there are currently 19 spots available. Registration will remain open until October 31st or when spots are filled. Register Now! Licensing Digital Content is for anyone new to...
Now registering for Winter 2021! The Copyright Leadership Certificate helps copyright decision-makers increase their copyright IQ.
Copyrightlaws.com's Certificate in Canadian Copyright Law is the only online program designed for non-lawyers to teach them how to manage copyright issues.
Are all U.S. government works in the public domain? It's a misconception that all U.S. government works (maps, brochures, reports, etc.) are in the public domain. In order to understand which U.S. government works are protected by copyright and which are not, you need to know three things. Learn more about complying with U.S. copyright...
What's in the public domain? Public domain is a frequently used term in copyright parlance, yet it isn't defined in copyright statutes. This article provides insight into when content is in the public domain under copyright law, from both the U.S. and international copyright law perspectives. This information will help guide you determine when you need...
21 Virtual Ways to Build Copyright Awareness in Your Library or Organization is a self-paced eTutorial with: This eTutorial will be available all year long. Registration is now open! Registration Fee: $239 US Register Now! Working on your own schedule in our easy-to-use online learning system, you'll have access to the course materials for four...
Our online course Obtaining Permission: The Copyright Permissions Request is a comprehensive overview of the permissons request process and best practices.
When obtaining permission to use copyright-protected works, it's important to understand the layers of rights in those works. This article examines examples of works with multiple layers of underlying rights, from more complicated works such as films, music, and multimedia works to a simple translation of a book. It also provides tips for obtaining permission...
A licensing policy is a helpful document for a library or organization that licenses electronic resources or e-resources. This article is written by Lesley Ellen Harris, author of Licensing Digital Content, 3rd edition. Copyright and Intellectual Property Policies are more common than licensing policies for e-resources. However, a written licensing policy is useful for any organization...
Many times I hear my students say they've become the go-to copyright person, regardless of whether they're librarians, library directors, information managers or architects, content managers, risk management specialists, communications specialists or editors. This happens whether they work in libraries, archives, museums, and for-profit or nonprofit organizations. If you've fallen into the designated copyright contact...
Copyrightlaws.com's primer/refresher course Canadian Copyright Law includes 16 lessons. It's one of the five eTutorials in our Certificate in Canadian Copyright Law. Each lesson provides ... Registration Fee: $239 US This course is open for registration and access begins immediately. Register Now! Working on your own schedule in our easy-to-use online learning system Thinkific, you'll have...
International copyright law doesn't exist! Each country has its own domestic copyright laws that apply to its own citizens, and also to the use of foreign content when used in one's country. It allows creators and content owners around the world and citizens of many countries to enjoy copyright protection in countries other than their...
Canadian copyright law myths can cloud your interpretation of copyright law. How do you ensure that your information is accurate and objective? Do you read the Canadian Copyright Act? Review recent copyright cases? Attend courses and discussions? Learn more about universal copyright myths in our micro courseDemystifying Copyright Myths, the Public Domain and Creative Commons...
Do your digital license agreements and licensing myths lead to frustrations? Our Simple Guide to Licensing Electronic Resources can help.
Copyrightlaws.com publishes a list of popular and interesting copyright news and articles from the U.S., Canada and around the world. Scroll down to see the latest items. Bookmark This Post for Copyright News and Articles Bookmark this post and check back here every second Monday for the latest update of copyright news and stories or...
Creative Commons licenses allow copyright owners to license their works under terms and conditions they choose. Learn how to choose the best CC license.
Copyright literacy is about educating fellow employees and the public about copyright law and raising their awareness of how copyright law affects them. WIPO Magazine’s article Understanding Copyright — A Life Skill, by Lesley Ellen Harris, discusses the importance of copyright and intellectual property education on a broad basis. Once the preserve of specialists, copyright has...
