Distribution and use problems of the institutional developer arising from copyrights

Institutional developers of mediated instruction for the health sciences in higher education must take whatever steps are reasonable and necessary to obtain copyright protection for their original works and avoid liability for infringement. Twelve questiona frequently asked by such developers in these two areas are discussed. Special requirements are set forth pertaining to material copyrightable by the developer, copyrighted by others, and in the public domain (not copyrightable by anyone). Unique requirements for writings, sound recordings and visual products are summarized. Relevant aspects of fair use, pre-publication copyright, post-publication copyright, and marketing and distribution through the private sector are set forth together with the elements of proof in infringement actions.