Once you’re familiar with the basics of copyright law, it’s important to also familiarize yourself with the concepts of fair use and parody, two important exceptions to it.
In This Lesson
Fair Use
- Defining fair use
- The four factors courts consider when determining fair use
- The purpose and character of the use
- The nature of the copyrighted work
- How much of the original work is used
- The effect of the use on the commercial value of the original
- Parody - Another exception to copyright law
[Click here to view and use the Google Slide Presentation “Fair Use”]
Activities
Can I Use That?
In this activity, students will read through five scenarios and determine whether those circumstances qualify as fair use or not. Students will reference specific factors that are commonly used in deciding fair use cases in their answers, familiarizing themselves with those principles in the process.
[Click here to view and print the Google Doc handout “Can I Use That?”]
[Click here to view and print the answer key for the “Can I Use That?” activity]
“Unpresidented” - A Case Study on Parody
Students will examine a publicity stunt that took place in 2019 regarding the creation and distribution of a parodied version of The Washington Post. After reading up on the background and public response to the stunt, students will answer a series of discussion questions regarding parody, its appropriateness, and potentially negative consequences that can result from it.
[Click here to view and print the Google Doc handout “Unpresidented” - A Case Study on Parody”]