SUNY Empire Copyright Information Website: Educational Use

The "educational use" exemption allows for the display and performance of copyrighted works in a face-to-face classroom setting. 

What does Educational Use allow?

• student performances of songs, poems, scenes from plays, etc.
• performances of songs, poems, plays, etc. for students.
• displaying images on a screen. 
• playing music, movies, documentaries, television shows and other audio and audiovisual recordings; there is no length limit, but it does have to occur during class time.

Educational Use Requirements

• must be in a face-to-face classroom setting in an accredited, nonprofit educational institution
• limited to performance and display; and does not allow for copying or distributing copies
• must be for purely educational purposes; the exemption doesn't apply to extracurricular activities, teacher training, conferences, etc.
• copies must be legally obtained, i.e., purchased, borrowed or rented; taped/recorded by DVR at home if there is no way to purchase, borrow or rent in time to use in class (discard or delete copy after use).

Educational Use Restrictions

• does not apply online, even behind a password
• does not allow for making multiple copies or handouts of any kind.