Netiquette IQ Technical Term of The Day - Copyright Infringement

One of the most misunderstood areas on the Internet are Copyright laws. Also one of the Netiquette core concepts most often abused is obeying Copyright laws. Here is a definition for all. This area is also elaborated upon in my book (see below). My book also presents clarification of slander, libel and Netiquette ethics.
=================================================

 A copyright infringement is a violation of an individual or organization's copyright. It describes the unauthorized use of copyrighted material, such as text, photos, videos, music, software, and other original content. In the computer industry, copyright violations often refer to software programs and websites.

Software is usually distributed under a certain type of license agreement, or SLA. This license defines the terms of use, including whether or not the software can be distributed to other users. For example, (open source|open source) programs are free to use and may often be redistributed without limitations. Commercial software, however, must be purchased and cannot be redistributed. Using commercial software without paying for it is a copyright infringement and as commonly known as piracy
.
Websites that contain original content are automatically protected under international copyright law. In other words, you cannot copy the content of one website and publish it on another site without the author's permission. Reposting text, images, videos, audio clips, or any other content found on the Web without permission constitutes a copyright infringement. Legal penalties for violating website copyrights depend on the extent and damages caused by the copyright violation.

Since we live in a digital age, copying content is often as simple as a copy and paste operation. This makes it possible for one person to copy and republish content in a few minutes that may have taken another person several years to create. Therefore, In 1998, the United States Congress took steps to defend intellectual property by passing the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, commonly known as DMCA. This law defines specific types of digital copyright infringements and establishes serious penalties for violators.
NOTE: If you ever want to use or republish content from the Web, you should always ask the author for permission and include an appropriate reference and link to the original content.

   ============================================

 In addition to this blog, I have authored the premiere book on Netiquette, "Netiquette IQ - A Comprehensive Guide to Improve, Enhance and Add Power to Your Email". You can view my profile, reviews of the book and content excerpts at:

 www.amazon.com/author/paulbabicki

 If you would like to listen to experts in all aspects of Netiquette and communication, try my radio show on BlogtalkRadio  and an online newsletter via paper.li.I have established Netiquette discussion groups with Linkedin and  Yahoo.  I am also a member of the International Business Etiquette and Protocol Group and Minding Manners among others. I regularly consult for the Gerson Lehrman Group, a worldwide network of subject matter experts and I have been contributing to the blogs Everything Email and emailmonday . My work has appeared in numerous publications and I have presented to groups such as The Breakfast Club of NJ Rider University and  PSG of Mercer County New Jersey.
==========================================