University Copyright Policy

Portland State University is committed to adhering to all applicable laws regarding intellectual property. Portland State University faculty, staff, and students are required to comply with all U.S. copyright laws, including Title 17 U.S. Code, the United States Copyright Act, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998, and the Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization (TEACH) Act 2002.

The Portland State University Copyright Guide serves as a resource for the PSU community. The materials available in the Portland State University Copyright Guide provide simple overviews of key issues in copyright law. Copyright law can be complex and this guide is not intended to provide legal advice. It provides a summary of United States copyright laws as those laws relate to the use of copyright protected works and provides suggestions on how to analyze proposed uses of copyrighted materials to facilitate the work of students, faculty, and staff. Portland State students, faculty, and staff members are responsible for making a good faith determination of whether an intended use falls within specific or fair use exemptions in copyright law. When permission to use copyright material is required, that permission must be obtained prior to use of the copyrighted materials.

Every student, faculty member and employee of the University is expected to comply with the provisions of copyright law. For assistance in making a good faith determination, consult the Portland State University Copyright Guide; you may also consult Elsa Loftis, Acquisitions and Humanities Librarian, PSU Library, or for issues related to your or the University’s copyright ownership, Joseph Janda, Director, Innovation & Intellectual Property, Research & Strategic Partnerships.

Portland State will not assume legal responsibility for faculty or staff members who fail to make a good faith determination or otherwise do not comply with University copyright policy or copyright law.