Copyright Basics
- Overview
- FAQ
- Copyrightability
- Duration & Formalities
- Who Holds Copyright
- Rights of Copyright Holders
- Rights of Users Toggle Dropdown
- Permission
- U-M Consent to Photograph or Record
- Related Topics
- Resources
Copyright Questions
The University of Michigan Library Copyright Office provides help with copyright questions for University of Michigan faculty, staff and students.
Email copyright@umich.edu with questions or visit our website for more information.
Legal Advice
The information presented here is intended for informational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have specific legal questions pertaining to the University of Michigan, please contact the Office of the General Counsel.
If you require legal advice in your personal capacity, the lawyer referral services operated by the Washtenaw County Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan may be helpful to you.
Copyright Basics
Welcome to the Copyright Basics guide from the University of Michigan Library Copyright Office. This guide covers the following topics:
- FAQ
- Copyrightability
- Duration & Formalities
- Who Holds Copyright
- Rights of Copyright Holders
- Rights of Users
- Permission
- Related Topics
- Resources
Last revised on November 11, 2016.
Services of the University of Michigan Library Copyright Office
Our office provides information to help you make decisions about sharing and using copyrighted material in your research, learning, and teaching. In addition to copyright guides like this one and online resources on our website, please take advantage of our person-to-person services.
Email Us
Please email copyright@umich.edu to ask questions about copyright.
Make an Appointment
We offer virtual 1:1 appointments for U-M students, faculty, and staff. To make an appointment at another time, please email us.
Attend a Workshop
We offer public workshops on copyright. We also offer customized copyright education (presentations, workshops, etc.) for university groups, including faculty, staff, and students. Please email us to request this.
External Services
Although we provide information and education about copyright, we are not able to provide legal advice.
Some copyright-related issues are handled elsewhere at the university:
-
If you have specific legal questions pertaining to the University of Michigan, please contact the Office of the General Counsel.
-
If you believe your copyright has been infringed on a web site hosted by the university, please contact our DMCA agent.
-
If you have questions about using the university trademarks, including the Block M, please consult the Permissions Guide from the university's Office of Communications.
If you require legal advice in your personal capacity, the lawyer referral services operated by the Washtenaw County Bar Association and the State Bar of Michigan may be helpful to you.