Generally, authors use copyright law to prohibit recipients from copying, adapting, or distributing copies of their works. However, obtaining copyright permission is not that easy, and it is difficult to track copyright infringements. So people prefer Copyleft licenses.
Unlike copyright, under Copyleft, an author may grant a license to copy, adapt, or distribute the work to everyone who receives a copy of the work, with the incidental requirement that any resulting copy or adaptation also be subject to the same license agreement.
Instead of putting the work in the public domain, Copyleft grants the author some rights to control the work and its distribution.
Copyright is based on the philosophy of restriction and originality of an author’s work, whereas Copyleft not only stands for freedom, but demands it.
Influence on Academic Action Steps Online:
- Proper Attribution: Always provide proper attribution when using others’ work in your academic materials. This applies to trademarks, copyrighted materials, and copylefted works. Understand the licenses under which the content is shared and comply with the requirements.
- License My Work: Consider licensing your academic work under a copyleft license if you want to encourage the sharing and collaborative use of your materials. This can foster a sense of community and contribute to the open education movement.
- Educate Myself: Stay informed about the laws and regulations related to trademarks, copyrights, and copyleft licenses. The legal landscape in these areas can change, and it’s essential to understand your rights and responsibilities as an academic creator.
- Promote Ethical Use: Encourage proper use of intellectual property among your peers and students. Promote ethical behavior, proper citation, and respect for intellectual property rights in the academic community.