It’s fun to download files, but it’s important to avoid copyright violations. Generally, you’re in the clear when:

• Using file-sharing programs to share what you have created.
• Distributing files whose content has passed its copyright expiration date. This applies mostly to books, musical scores, and other documents that were created many decades ago. Check with the U.S. Copyright Office: http://www.copyright.gov.
• Downloading files with the copyright holder’s permissions such as up-and-coming musicians who want to increase general awareness of their music.
• Using CDs or sound files you have purchased to make a mix CD or mp3 play list for your own use.
• Creating a back-up copy of a media disc. For example, you can make a copy of a new CD you purchased only if you use the copy for yourself.

You’re violating copyright laws when:

• Sharing files that other people own the copyright to, including most music and movie files, unless the copyright owner has specifically given you permission to distribute.
• Downloading copyrighted files without the permission of the copyright holder.

Information prepared by ITaP Communications (January 2007). Direct comments to Jennifer Kapp, jkapp@purdue.edu.