A license is a privilege entitling the licensee to do something that he would not be entitled to do without the license. To license or grant a license is to give permission. A license authorizes the holder to do something that he or she would not be entitled to do without the license.
A Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U. S. Code) to the authors of "original works of authorship, "including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. Section 106 of the 1976 Copyright Act generally gives the owner of copyright the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do the following:
" To reproduce the work in copies or phonorecords;
" To prepare derivative works based upon the work;
" To distribute copies or phonorecords of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending;
" To perform the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and motion pictures and other audiovisual works;
" To display the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, including the individual images of a motion picture or other audiovisual work; and
" In the case of sound recordings*, to perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission.
The Wisconsin License for the use of a copyright is a legal agreement that grants specific rights to individuals or entities to use copyrighted material within the state of Wisconsin. This license is designed to protect the intellectual property rights of creators and ensure fair use of copyrighted works. The Wisconsin License for the use of a copyright allows individuals or entities to legally reproduce, distribute, display, or perform copyrighted material. It is an essential tool for businesses, organizations, and individuals who wish to use copyrighted works in their creative projects or commercial ventures while respecting the rights of the original owners. There are multiple types of Wisconsin Licenses for the use of a copyright, each catering to different circumstances and activities. Some of these licenses include: 1. Educational License: This type of license allows educational institutions, such as schools, colleges, and universities, to use copyrighted material for educational purposes. It covers activities like classroom instruction, research, presentations, and assignments. 2. Commercial License: This license is aimed at businesses and organizations that want to use copyrighted material in their commercial operations. It permits the use of copyrighted works in advertisements, promotional materials, websites, product packaging, and other commercial endeavors. 3. Non-profit License: Non-profit organizations, including charities, foundations, and community groups, can obtain this license to use copyrighted material for their non-commercial activities. It covers events, fundraisers, newsletters, and other non-profit initiatives. 4. Creative Commons License: A Creative Commons License is a flexible type of license that allows creators to share their works with certain permissions and restrictions. It offers a range of license options that enable creators to choose the level of protection and control they wish to have over their works. 5. Fair Use: While not a specific license, fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the copyright owner. Fair use applies in certain situations such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. It provides a defense against copyright infringement claims. When seeking to use copyrighted material in Wisconsin, it is crucial to consider which specific license is required based on the intended use. Obtaining the appropriate license ensures compliance with copyright laws, protects against potential legal issues, and promotes a fair and respectful environment for creators and users alike.
