The internet has made it easy to access a wide range of materials at the touch of a button. Where people have access to information in electronic form it is often possible to make perfect digital copies, which is why rights owners are keen to protect their intellectual property through a combination of legal protections and technological protection measures.

This report explored issues relating to copyright and the internet, and dispelled some of the myths that have built up about how copyright applies to the internet.

To see a sample (table of contents, sample page) view the Sample PDF (requires Adobe Acrobat).

Table of Contents

2 Disclaimer
4 Biographical note
5 Introduction
6 Myth 1
8 Myth 2
11 Myth 3
12 Myth 4
14 Myth 5
16 Myth 6
18 Myth 7
19 Myth 8
20 Myth 9
21 Myth 10
23 Summary
24 Books on copyright
25 Copyright websites
25 Keeping up to date with copyright issues
25 Where to go to seek copyright advice
26 International copyright legislation
27 UK copyright legislation
28 The implications of directive 2001/29/EC
29 Reading list on deep linking

Testimonials

"Yes, the report was very informative, particularly the sections about deep linking. Yes, I thought price was good value, " Copyright Officer, Gallery, London, UK

"I am the librarian and webmaster for my organisation and - while trying not to be the "copyright policeman" - do try to coach staff in what they can and can't do. This report will be absolutely invaluable! If they can see it in print (and the jolly librarian isn't making it up) they might take notice!!" Librarian, Australia

"I think that as an information professional I was aware of most of these myths. However, as a resource for reference by others in any organisation, especially academic, where research and plagiarism go hand in hand, it is invaluable. Excellent value for money"" Management School

"I have read the report and find it very informative - it certainly dispels some of the myths around the copyright issue. I would like to publicise this report more widely around my organisation and our intranet seems to be the most useful way of doing this ..." Information Centre Manager, UK

"Yes, very informative and value for money. It was concise and easy to read. I like the '10 Myths' format, and the reference information will prove very useful." Web Co-ordinator, UK

"Yes it was informative and cleared up a few points we weren't sure about. Very good value for money." Information Centre Manager, UK

"Report is informative. Yes good value for money from a reliable source!" Faculty Librarian, UK

"I found it a very useful summary of the common issues surrounding copyright. I liked the Q&A format, and the references will undoubtedly be of use over time. As a topic which will never be far from my remit, the report is both timely and practical. Definitely good value for money, particularly the painless way of ordering, receiving and paying for the title."

NB: The author is not a lawyer and purchase of the report does not constitute legal advice.

The 10 Myths are outlined in the article "Copyright and the Internet: Myth and Reality", FreePint No.140.