Did you ever copy your friend's homework or sneak a peak
over someone's shoulder during a test? While it might have
landed you in hot water (way) back then, what happens when
childhood misbehavior "grows up"? Use the legal term
"copyright infringement," and the practice suddenly takes
on a much more serious hue. We look at why this kind of
Intellectual Property (IP) infringement is so pervasive on the
internet, and how you can avoid being a victim... or a
perpetrator.
What is copyright infringement?
When creators apply their intellect to produce an artistic
piece, they are usually entitled to earn remuneration from the
fruits of their labor. Hence, they are automatically awarded the
author's exclusive right to reproduce, modify and distribute
their creative work. Though we usually think of copyrights in
relation to literature, music and film, this form of IP protection
can extend to a much broader spectrum of works, including visual
art and photographs,
