Copyright law is unique in the greater intellectual property regime, as it protects original expression that is fixed in a tangible medium and is the product of authorship. This course is designed for creative professionals — such as screenwriters, musicians, documentary filmmakers or artists — who want to understand the scope and limits of which works can enjoy U.S. copyright protection. The course will introduce students to the workings of copyright law through an examination of the system’s basic principles, rules, and institutions. Topics will include; the justifications for copyright law, copyrightable subject matter, authorship, the nature and scope of copyright’s exclusive rights, fair use, and remedies for infringement.
Copyright Law
Copyright Law
This course is part of Intellectual Property Law Specialization
Instructor: Shyam Balganesh
19,976 already enrolled
Included with 
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
4.8
(356 reviews)
12 hours to complete
3 weeks at 4 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
97%
Most learners liked this course
What you'll learn
Identify the basic elements of copyright
Describe what copyright does and does not protect
Explain the limits of copyright protection
Analyze fair use and other complex doctrines that extend from copyright law
Skills you'll gain
Details to know
Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
12 assignments
Taught in English
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills
Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Intellectual Property Law Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV
Share it on social media and in your performance review
There are 4 modules in this course
We begin our examination of copyright law by exploring what works are eligible for copyright protection, and the basic requirements for attaining copyright protection.
What's included
10 videos2 readings4 assignments1 discussion prompt
So you have a copyright - what does that mean? This module explores the important bundle of rights that accompany copyright protection.
What's included
8 videos2 readings3 assignments
What can you do with your copyright? This module explores the advanced rights available to copyright holders.
What's included
8 videos2 readings3 assignments
Under what circumstances do we limit the rights of copyright holders? This module examines the ever-important Fair Use Doctrine.
What's included
5 videos3 readings2 assignments1 peer review
Instructor
Instructor ratings
4.9 (76 ratings)Offered by
Explore more from Law
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
Why people choose Coursera for their career
Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."
Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."
Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."
Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Learner reviews
4.8
356 reviews
- 5 stars
84.59%
- 4 stars
12.32%
- 3 stars
2.24%
- 2 stars
0.84%
- 1 star
0%
Showing 3 of 356
IS
5
Reviewed on Jan 10, 2021
Great course and amazing teacher! Very clear and interesting content. Totally recommend!
VS
5
Reviewed on Dec 7, 2021
Absolutely loved the course, it solved many of the queries that i had regarding copyrights and to whom they are available and under what circumstances.
JF
4
Reviewed on Jul 26, 2020
The instructor's voice got pretty annoying after a while but overall fairly engaging. The name of the company in the summative assignment also got a really good laugh out of me.
Open new doors with Coursera Plus
Unlimited access to 10,000+ world-class courses, hands-on projects, and job-ready certificate programs - all included in your subscription
Advance your career with an online degree
Earn a degree from world-class universities - 100% online
Join over 3,400 global companies that choose Coursera for Business
Upskill your employees to excel in the digital economy
Frequently asked questions
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
If you subscribed, you get a 7-day free trial during which you can cancel at no penalty. After that, we don’t give refunds, but you can cancel your subscription at any time. See our full refund policy.
More questions
Financial aid available,