Understanding the terms used in online sharing is very important. Here are some basic definitions:
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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY: (via Mirriam-Webster Word Central)
: property (as an idea, method, or written work) that derives from the work of the mind
COPYRIGHT: (via Mirriam-Webster Word Central)
: the legal right to be the only one to reproduce, publish, or sell the contents and form of a literary, musical, or artistic work
CREATOR: (via Merriam-Webster)
: one that creates usually by bringing something new or original into being; (in other words the artist, author, photographer, designer, etc)
ORIGINAL (SOURCE) or ORIGIN: (via the free dictionary)
Being the source from which a copy, reproduction, or translation is made.
(NOTE: this would be the creator NOT the curator.)
CURATOR: (via Merriam-Webster)
: one who has the care and superintendence of something; especially : one in charge of a museum, zoo, or other place of exhibit
FAIR USE: (via teaching copyright.org)
One of several legal limitations on the exclusive rights granted to copyright owners. Fair use permits a second user to copy part or all of a copyrighted work under certain circumstances, even when the copyright holder has not given permission or even objects to that use of the work. Courts evaluate fair use claims case-by-case relying primarily on four factors: the purpose and character of the use of copyrighted work, the nature of the original work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole, and the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the original work.
PUBLIC DOMAIN: (via teachingcopyright.org)
Works that are not restricted by copyright and do not require a license or fee to use. Works can enter the public domain automatically because they are not copyrightable, be designated in the public domain by the creator, or become part of the public domain because the copyright term has expired.
TERMS OF SERVICE: (via Wikipedia)
Terms of service (abbreviated as ToS or TOS) are s by which one must agree to abide by in order to use a service. Unless in violation of consumer protection laws, such terms are usually legally binding.
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For more information and more terms a helpful, easy-to-understand glossary can be found at teachingcopyright.org
