From: Robert Hulshof-Schmidt [mailto:hulshof-schmidt_robert@oslmac.osl.state.or.us]
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 11:01 AM
To: Gilmont, Susan
Subject: Copyright issues for public documents
Hi Susan,
Jey Wann forwarded me your question regarding copyright. Strangely enough, I've had this come up multiple times this week. Yes, you've got the basic principle correct. Because state documents are produced using public funds for the public good, they are considered part of the public domain. If a contractor wishes to preserve the copyright for their intellectual property, they must specify that in the statement of work for any contract that they execute with the state (i.e., before the work is created). That's my understanding in broad strokes.
[Standard disclaimer - I'm not a lawyer and I'm not giving legal advice.] Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any additional questions or concerns.
Robert
Robert Hulshof-Schmidt
Program Manager
Gov't Research and Electronic Svcs. (GRES) Oregon State Library 250 Winter St NE Salem OR 97301 503.378.5030 robert.hulshof-schmidt@state.or.us
Thank you!
Susan Gilmont, Library Technician III
Guin Library, Hatfield Marine Science Ctr
Oregon State University
2030 Marine Science Dr
Newport OR 97365-5296 USA
Phone: 541-867-0162 Fax: 541-867-0105
e-mail: Susan.Gilmont@oregonstate.edu