CIS115 – Unit 3 In-seat Activity: Intellectual Property Rights

Just because it’s on the Net, doesn’t mean it’s free.  
Many (if not most) pictures, sounds, and text are protected from general or common use. Intellectual property rights give the creator of the content exclusive rights under the law. Violating these laws can result in severe punishment. For instance, it’s illegal to download copyrighted music from the Internet and to use pictures or trademarks without the owner’s permission. And you certainly don’t want to go to jail or get fined (Just look what happened to Napster) (https://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/08/technology/grappling-with-the-culture-of-free-in-napsters-aftermath.html?_r=0). To find out the basics of copyright, review the following short video from the Copyright Clearance Center: Copyright Basics (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uiq42O6rhW4&feature=youtu.be)
Once you have watched the short video, read the scenario below, and then answer the activity questions.  
Scenario:  
Imagine your business team has been tasked with preparing a PowerPoint presentation to help new employees learn how to use the company’s proprietary software. 
You are the lead for this project, and your team has decided to add graphics and sound to make the presentation more appealing. 
You have to make sure that your team’s presentation is not in violation of any copyright laws.  
Questions 
1. A member of your team wants to add some funny pictures that he took during the company party to lighten the mood at the beginning of the presentation. Does this violate any copyright laws? Explain your answer and use references. 
2.The presentation includes links to some company documents, but a member of your team wants to send the presentation to other clients. Would this be advisable to include the hyperlinks or remove them? 
3.List two web sites where you can freely use the media (pictures, images, etc.) without violating any copyright laws. Then, list two web sites where it would be illegal to download any type of media. 
Explain your answers and provide us with the references you have used.  Response Format 
•Support your answers with at least one credible source.  Please use the ECPI Online Library, and your textbook to conduct your research. 
•Use in-text citations and a reference list in your responses using APA format. •Your response should demonstrate critical thinking and provide justification.