What are UC’s policies regarding copyright?
The University of California’s policies on Copyright Ownership and Ownership of Course Materials clarify who owns the copyright to original works created at UC and how the rights of ownership are allocated between the authors and the University.
According to UC’s policy, ownership of copyrights to scholarly and aesthetic works generally reside with the faculty creator, with certain exceptions. If, for example, the work is sponsored or contracted, or is part of a project that has special provisions on copyright ownership, then copyright ownership is generally retained by the university.
University staff who create works within the scope of their employment generally do not own the copyright to the work. A work prepared by an employee within the scope of his or her employment is considered a “work made for hire.” When a work qualifies as a work made for hire, the employer or commissioning party is considered its author. Under UC policies, some written works created by certain categories of UC faculty, graduate students, and staff are considered works made for hire.
For more information about the University of California’s policies and resources regarding copyright, please visit the UC Copyright website.
