Software and Copyright Laws

Paper Summary:

This paper focuses on the legalities surrounding the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and the Technology, Education and Copyright Harmonization Act (TEACH) which were both passed to protect the owners of software copyrights. This paper discusses the issue of software copyright as it pertains mainly to the field of education. The writer contends and explains the manner in which both laws clarify several complicated issues for software users while also offering international protection to owners of copyrighted material. This paper examines the basic premise of TEACH which contains recommendations made by the U.S. Copyright Office that addresses the use of informational material and services obtained via the internet. This paper discusses the responsibilities of online educational organizations who make use of informational software. This paper also delves into the additional concerns and responsibilities facing school libraries regarding the software used on library computers.

From the Paper:

"These requirements are in addition to laws and regulations previously on place. The laws are intended to give software publishers the same protections text publishers have. Just as it is illegal to photocopy textbooks to avoid buying published copies, schools cannot copy software for use on multiple computers unless they have purchased a multiple-use license. Then, they must restrict the number of copies to the number authorized in their purchase. They may not install personal copies of software they purchased for home use on a school computer; or make copies of school-owned software for either home use or to share with parents and students. In addition, the laws address the use of shareware. Sometimes people think of shareware as "free," but it is not, and schools may not use shareware beyond the date at which the shareware copyright owner demands payment. In addition, although freeware is free in that the school does not have to pay for it, the law states that people may not sell freeware."

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