This document provides an overview of copyright and fair use. It defines copyright as the exclusive rights given to authors to reproduce, publish, and adapt their original works. Works in the public domain are not protected by copyright and can be freely used. Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted works for purposes such as teaching without permission. To determine fair use, four factors are considered: the purpose of the use, the nature of the work, the amount used, and the economic impact. The TEACH Act extends fair use for educational uses of copyrighted works. Getting permission is required when fair use does not apply.