Copyright Guidelines for the Web

Copyright and the World Wide Web

Any original work fixed in a tangible medium is protected by copyright. Web page creations are, therefore, automatically copyrighted and one should assume that any Web page visited on the Web is copyrighted.

When material is posted on the Web, it is being simultaneously copied, distributed, adapted, publicly performed and publicly displayed, all of which are the rights of the copyright owner. Before placing material on the Internet, one must ensure that the rights to digitize the material have been secured.

The information available here is to help Washburn University faculty and staff understand their rights and responsibilities, and to introduce some "netiquette" related to publishing materials on the Web.

Rules of Thumb

All Web pages are copyrighted as a compilation work of text, images and design.
Link to sites instead of infringing on copyright by "borrowing" content.
If it's not an original work, seek permission before putting it online. (This includes materials found on the Web or scanned items.)

Take a Copyright Quiz!

In this quiz you will be asked a series of 8 True or False questions. Select ANSWER and you will be shown the correct answer along with a brief explanation of why the answer is correct. To proceed to the next question select NEXT.

Washburn University Resources

Photo Release Form
Use of Student Work Form
Use of Student Work(s) Form

All forms are in .pdf format. In order to view the documents, you will need the Acrobat Reader plug-in. This is available from Adobe by selecting the icon at the right. Look for the link that reads "Get Acrobat Reader free!" Note: the link opens in a new window.

Additional Resources

Cyber Crew Copyright Committee
Web Law FAQ
Keeping it Legal: Questions Arising out of Web Site Management