QUESTION
Is it copyright infringement if for my private study?
Asked on Aug 03rd, 2013 on Entertainment Law - California
More details to this question:
Is it copyright infringement if for my "private study" I search through books that I own for a specific topic I would like to learn more about and then copy, by typing or "copying and pasting" if I have the Kindle version, sentences I thought were relevant to learn more about this idea. These documents won't be shared with anyone. They are only for my own "private learning." I also legally own all of the books. Am I violating copyright infringement when I copy the information from my books into Microsoft word documents to learn more about them? Thank you either way.
3 ANSWERS
Probably not as the copies are being made for educational purposes, which is permitted by the Fair Use doctrine. You already own the books so you're not depriving the rights owner of any income.
Answered on Aug 09th, 2013 at 8:46 PM
Strictly speaking, any duplication of a copyrighted work is unauthorized. However, given that you own the works that you are copying, and that you are only using a small portion for your own use, there is almost no chance of you being charged with copyright infringement.
Answered on Aug 09th, 2013 at 8:46 PM
Susan Marie Basko
I think this is educational fair use. If you start making copies for others, it might infringe.
Answered on Aug 09th, 2013 at 8:46 PM