Copyright, Open Access, and Creative Commons: Introduction

This guide is for those curious about intellectual property. In addition to copyright, we also review Open Access and Creative Commons. If you have any questions/concerns about the use of copyrighted or Open learning materials in your classroom, please contact us.

Disclaimer: This information does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions about copyright and fair use, we will direct you to resources to help you better understand this legal landscape.

Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.

• IP is protected in law by, for example, patents, copyright and trademarks, which enable people to earn recognition or financial benefit from what they invent or create. By striking the right balance between the interests of innovators and the wider public interest, the IP system aims to foster an environment in which creativity and innovation can flourish (World Intellectual Property Association).

• Types

  • Patents

  • Copyright

  • Trademarks

  • Industrial Designs

  • Geographic Indications

  • Trade Secrets

Take this Intellectual Property Quiz from World Intellectual Property Organization to test your IP knowledge!

When discussing copyright matters with a librarian, we may not always be able to give you a definitive answer. Copyright law is very complex and is rarely straightforward. If you are concerned about a specific resource, chances are you will find yourself deliberating over its intended use. And although we cannot offer you legal advice because we are not lawyers, we can direct you to information resources that will hopefully help you understand copyright a bit more clearly. If you have any questions, please ask us!