Copyright and Fair Use Concerns
Media Services has equipment that allows the copying of DVD and VHS material and to transfer media from one to another. One of the most common requests is to transfer an ageing VHS tape to DVD because not all the classrooms can play DVDs anymore and the tape is wearing out. Transferring copyrighted material from one media to another is generally not covered within fair use law.
Another reason we get requests to transfer from VHS to DVD is because it could cost the department several thousand dollars to buy updated materials. If the material does exist in an update format it is likely that the producer would also aggressively protect its copy rights for that material.
Copyright law and intellectual property rights are extremely complex issues. This web site should not be used as a legal guide or reference. This site is designed to function as an overview of copyright as it applies to education and to provide information regarding copyright policies.
The following documents should answer questions you might have. You will also find Copyright waiver, a form. If you feel that you have made an earnest attempt to contact the producer/distributor or that you that your department has the right to use the material, and cannot produce written permission, you can fill out and sign the copyright waiver. Once this document is signed, Media Services and the College are waived of liability because you have accepted responsibility and liability.
* these pdf files require adobe acrobat
Copyright law and intellectual property rights are extremely complex issues. This web site should not be used as a legal guide or reference. This site is designed to function as an overview of copyright as it applies to education and to provide information regarding copyright policies.
