Copyright Plain and Simple (Plain & Simple Series) [Paperback]

Cheryl Besenjak (Author)

Book Description

Series: Plain & Simple Series | Publication Date: May 1997

This newly revised edition of Copyright Plain & Simple outlines the fundamental elements of copyright as they apply to a variety of works, including: literature, drama, music, choreograpy, pantomimes, motion pictures and other audiovisual works, architecture, and so on.

Copyright Plain & Simple takes copyright out of the legal form and presents it in ways you can use and understand clearly.

Some issues that are covered in Copyright Plain & Simple include:
- What copyright is and why it is important.
- What copyright issues have been clouded by the Internet.
- When copyright law started and how it has changed over the years.
- The types of properties that are-and aren't- protected by copyright.
- What "fair use" is and when you claim it.
- What constitutes copyright infringement and how you can avoid it.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

want to reproduce or your teenager's new home page. Copyright permissions specialist and newsletter publisher Besenjak has produced a well-crafted and highly readable "how-to" guide that addresses everyday needs of the copyright-consuming and -creating public. Her resource provides a solid introduction to copyright use and protection in a variety of contexts?printed word, visual art, performing arts, music, electronic?with directional pointers for the more complex questions. It shows how to determine whether something is protected as determined by what it is and when it was copyrighted and then how to begin tracking down the copyright owner(s) when the need arises. Besenjak's work comes complete with addresses, phone numbers, web sites, and samples of things like permissions letters and cease-and-desist letters. A useful addition for public libraries.?Johanna Johnson, Dallas P.L.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

The fundamental elements of copyright protection are explained in a simple, effective volume important to any writer. The basics of copyright law is explained through numerous clear examples and discussions of the foundations of protection; from applications to music and electronics to fair use policies. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 191 pages
• Publisher: Career Pr Inc (May 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564142736
• ISBN-13: 978-1564142733
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,578,939 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Tops as "entry level" introduction to copyright, July 14, 1999

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This review is from: Copyright Plain and Simple (Plain & Simple Series) (Paperback)

Given the the complex,and ambiguous nature of copyright, publishers and serious writers should a have number of copyright law books in their library. Besenjak rates highly as an understandable introduction. If you could read only one introductory book on copyright, read this one.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Packed With Knowledge!, June 15, 2004

By 

Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Copyright Plain & Simple (Paperback)

Don't mistake this book for one of those dry, dusty, `just the facts, ma'am' reference volumes. Cheryl Besenjak's delightfully written, fascinating guide to copyright outshines many other books that merely list rules and regulations when they address aspects of the law. Besenjak brings the beauty of copyright to life, providing plenty of examples. She draws you into her subject with a chatty, yet authoritative voice. This second edition includes an up-to-date look at copyright protection and copyright infringement as it relates to the Internet and other rapidly changing technologies. We recommend this book to anyone who deals with written matter or intellectual property. Our work is copyrighted. Is yours?

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-done, July 18, 2001

By 

S. Rhinehart "quote collector" (Northern CA, United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Copyright Plain & Simple (Paperback)

Besenjak's revised ed. is like the first--well-organized and concise. She takes a complex subject and makes it as clear and simple as possible with plenty of examples. She provides background history and explains the "whys" in everyday language. The book is current with the latest changes in the law, as well.