Who Owns Course Materials Prepared by a Teacher or Professor? The Application of Copyright Law to Teaching Materials in the Internet Age

Abstract

Many teachers and professors prepare course materials to enhance the educational value of their classes. If such course materials constitute copyrightable works under federal copyright law, the question arises: Who owns the copyright to such materials? The educational institution? The teacher or the professor? What is the legal effect of the teacher or professor posting such materials on the educational institution's internet website? This article explores these questions.