In its simplest terms, what are the basic rules governing the copying of software for educational purposes?
There are two basic rules. First, when you purchase software, you may make one copy for back-up purposes. Second, you are permitted to do what the licensing agreement and copyright law s fair use rules allow. As long as I m a teacher using the software for educational purposes, doesn t fair use permit me to copy virtually anything? No. The fair use rules of copyright law permit copyrighted works to be used for educational and research purposes without the permission of or payment to the owners. However, for fair use to apply, the use must be a permitted use (such as for educational purposes) and it must not significantly diminish the commercial value of the work. Copying software detracts from its commercial value. So, what about licensing agreements? What do they allow? Essentially, a licensing agreement is a contract that spells out what the owner of the software is selling. And, you can buy only what the seller is offering for sale. (It s like renting a house. You can t make the own
