Digital Rights, Copyright, Trademark, and Patent Laws
RequirementMost content on federal public websites* is in the public domain and should not include copyright or other intellectual property notices. However, when an organization uses or duplicates information available from the private sector as part of an information resource, product, or service, the organization must ensure that the property rights of the private sector source are adequately protected. These protections apply to any material posted to federal public websites, such as documents, graphics, or audio files. Organizations should review content to determine if it is subject to international copyright laws. Organizations should review the relevant laws and regulations to ensure that their public websites meet the full range of requirements. |
- Digital Millennium Copyright Act (PDF, 277.66 KB, 60 pages, January 1999)
- Copyright.gov
- U.S. Trademark Law (PDF, 1.48 MB, 260 pages, March 2010)
- U.S. Patent Law, U.S. Code 35, Chapter 26
- United States Government Works and Copyright Act of 1976 (MS Word, 16 KB, 2 pages, June 2011)
Examples
- FEMA explains permissions and restrictions for using photos and other audio/visual recordings.
- U.S. Mint explains intellectual property rights for various products and materials.
- National Library of Medicine has a well-written and concise copyright notice.
*These requirements apply to executive departments and agencies and their public websites. Check the specific law to see if it also applies to the judicial or legislative agencies or to intranets.
Content Lead:
Natalie Davidson
Page Reviewed/Updated: December 6, 2011
