An Analysis of Copyright Policies for Distance Learning Materials at Major Research Universities

This study describes an investigation of the intellectual property policies of a stratified random sample of public and private Carnegie Doctoral Research-Extensive Universities. Current copyright law was reviewed as well as the status of the "academic exception." University policies were examined to determine whether or not they included provisions for distance learning materials or courseware, what provisions were made for ownership, and what exceptions, if any, were applicable. In addition to providing summary statistics, public and private universities' policies were compared. Policies that were determined to be exemplary and noteworthy were profiled. Results were interpreted in terms of the need for comprehensive and explicit policies to support online course development and delivery.