CUNY’s Office of General Counsel staff are responsible for matters related to CUNY’s intellectual property rights and assets, including protecting and enforcing CUNY copyrights and trademarks; providing advice and counsel regarding e.g., infringement, fair use, data use, maintenance, and sharing; and answering questions about the CUNY Intellectual Property Policy.
What is a Copyright?
- Copyright Basics from the U.S. Copyright Office
- Copyright Act – complete text of the Title 17 of the U.S. Code
- U.S. Copyright Office web site
How long does copyright last?
- Chart: Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States, by Peter Hirtle, Cornell University
Do I need permission to use the work of another?
- Please review the CUNY Office of the General Counsel’s Q&A for information about fair use and sample request for permission forms.
- Using Copyrighted Works in Your Teaching – FAQ, by Peggy Hoon, JD, Visiting Scholar for Campus Copyright and Intellectual Property, Association of Research Libraries
Who owns works created at CUNY?
How do I register my work?
A work does not have to be registered with the Copyright Office in order to be protected by the Copyright Law, but there are advantages, such as the right to statutory damages and attorneys fees if your work is infringed. The CUNY Copyright Office’s Registration page has information and forms.
Other copyright resources at CUNY
Trademarks
If you would like to register a logo, tagline or other trademark, or if you believe that CUNY is making unauthorized use of a trademark you own, please contact us at ogc@cuny.edu.
Patents
Most patent and technology matters, including protecting, marketing and licensing CUNY innovations, are handled by the CUNY’s Technology Commercialization Office.
Additional information regarding intellectual property, copyright, trademarks and, patents are available here: https://www.cuny.edu/about/administration/offices/legal-affairs/policies-resources/intellectual-property/copyright-materials/