Copyright law protects creators' rights over their work, ensuring they have control over how it is used and distributed. This article explains the fundamentals of copyright law, including what is protected, how long copyright lasts, and what happens when copyright expires.
What is Copyright?
Copyright is a legal right that grants creators exclusive control over their original works, preventing others from copying or using them without permission. This applies to books, music, films, software, and more.
Once a work is created and recorded in a tangible form (written down, filmed, or digitally saved), it is automatically protected by copyright law.
Why is Copyright Important?
- Protects creators from unauthorized use of their work.
- Protects creators from unauthorized use of their work.
- Encourages creativity and innovation by ensuring fair compensation.
- Provides legal grounds to take action against copyright infringement.
What is Protected by Copyright?
Copyright applies to original works in various forms, including:
- Written Content: Books, articles, and scripts.
- Visual Art: Paintings, photographs, and designs.
- Music & Audio: Songs, compositions, and sound recordings.
- Video & Film: Movies, documentaries, and animations.
- Software & Digital Content: Programs, mobile apps, and websites.
What is Not Protected?
- Ideas, concepts, or methods (only their actual expression is protected).
- Facts and data.
- Government publications (depending on country-specific laws).
How Long Does Copyright Last?
Copyright protection varies by country. Below is a general guideline:
| Country | Duration of Copyright Protection |
|---|---|
| United States | Life of the author + 70 years |
| United Kingdom | Life of the author + 70 years |
| South Africa | Life of the author + 50 years |
| Kenya | Life of the author + 50 years |
For joint works (created by multiple people), copyright lasts for the life of the longest-living author plus the specified number of years.
If a work is created by a company (not an individual), copyright may last between 50 to 120 years, depending on the jurisdiction.
What Happens When Copyright Expires?
When copyright protection expires, the work enters the public domain. This means that:
- Anyone can use, copy, modify, and distribute the work without permission.
- The work can be adapted into new creations (e.g., movies, books, or artworks based on public domain stories).
- No one can claim ownership over the original work, but adaptations or new versions may still be copyrighted.
Examples of Public Domain Works
- Classic Literature: Books like Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) and Moby-Dick (Herman Melville) are in the public domain, allowing for free reproduction.
- Classical Music: Compositions by Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach are no longer copyrighted, meaning they can be performed, recorded, or modified freely.
- Early Films & Artwork: Silent films, paintings, and photographs from before the copyright period expired are free to use.
- Checking Public Domain Status: Some works are explicitly dedicated to the public domain by their creators, while others enter automatically when copyright expires. Tools like Project Gutenberg and Creative Commons can help determine if a work is in the public domain.
Copyright in Education and Digital Publishing
At Snapplify Engage, we work with educational institutions, publishers, and content creators to ensure that digital books and resources comply with copyright regulations.
Key Considerations for Educators and Students:
- Fair Use & Fair Dealing: Some countries allow limited copying of copyrighted materials for educational purposes. However, the extent varies by law.
- Creative Commons Licenses: Some works are available for free use under specific conditions. Always check the license terms.
- Public Domain Works: If copyright has expired, works enter the public domain and can be used freely.
For more details on copyright and education, visit World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) or check your national copyright office.
Practical Examples of Copyright in Action
- Example 1: A Teacher Sharing Content A teacher wants to photocopy pages from a book for students. If the book is copyrighted, they may need permission unless the country’s copyright law allows limited copying for education.
- Example 2: Using Music in a School Video A student creates a school project and adds a popular song to their video. Since the song is copyrighted, they must obtain permission or use royalty-free music.
- Example 3: Digital Book Licensing A school subscribes to digital textbooks through Snapplify Engage. The license agreement determines how students can access and use the content.
Understanding Copyright Infringement
Using copyrighted material without permission can lead to legal consequences, including fines or content removal. To avoid infringement:
- Always check the copyright status before using a work.
- Get permission from the copyright holder if necessary.
- Use licensed or public domain materials when possible.
For more guidance on copyright policies, visit your country's official copyright office:
- U.S. Copyright Office
- UK Intellectual Property Office
- South African Copyright Office
- Kenya Copyright Board
Need help? Use the live chat in the bottom right corner of your screen, email us at help@snapplify.com or reach out via Whatsapp +27 60 011 8065.
