Copyright Basics: Respecting Others' Creative Work
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What you will learn
- 1Explain what copyright is and why it protects creative work
- 2Distinguish between actions that respect copyright and those that violate it
- 3Apply responsible practices when using images, music, or text found online
Mini Lesson
Copyright is a rule that protects the creative work people make — such as books, songs, artwork, photos, and videos — but not plain facts. When someone creates something, they own it automatically. Using someone else's work without permission is called copyright violation, and it is unfair to the creator.
What Copyright Protects
- Written text — books, articles, poems, and stories.
- Music and songs — compositions and recorded performances.
- Images and photos — photographs, illustrations, and digital art.
- Videos and films — movies, YouTube videos, and short clips.
- Computer programs and apps — software code and game designs.
Respecting Copyright
- Give credit to the creator when you use their work in a project.
- Use images or music labeled "Creative Commons", "royalty-free", or "free to use".
- Ask for permission before using someone's photo or artwork.
- Only copy short quotes from a book, and always name the author.
- Use your own words to describe an idea rather than copying text, and cite (name) your source.
Violating Copyright
- Copying a whole book or article and presenting it as your own work.
- Downloading and sharing music or films without paying for them.
- Using someone's photo in a project without credit or permission.
- Copying code from a program and submitting it as your own.
- Printing and selling copies of a book you did not write.
Words to know
Copyright
A rule that protects who owns a piece of creative work
e.g. Copyright protects songs, books, and pictures.
Creator
The person who made the original work
e.g. The creator owns the artwork, even after they share it.
Permission
A clear "yes" from the creator to use their work
e.g. I asked for permission before using the photo.
Credit
Giving the creator's name when you use their work
e.g. I gave credit by writing "Photo by Mr. Khan".
Royalty-free image
A picture you are allowed to use without paying or asking
e.g. I used a royalty-free image from a library site.
Think of it this way: if you drew a picture and someone used it without asking, you would want credit! Give others the same respect.
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