Copyright Notice and Information

Copyright © 1997-2004 by StarStuffs This is a general copyright notice for all online articles contained within my websites and should carry the name of 'StarStuffs' as the author. All rights are reserved for reproduction and usage. However, the author gives permission to freely copy any of the online articles for their personal use. Permission is also granted to store such information on their personal computers. In order for contents, in full or in part, to be displayed on public websites, electronic magazines and other public forums, the author's name and website url must be attached to every article. Excerpts from the author's online articles may be used in other works, however, the rules of "Fair Use" apply. (see definitions below)

The content information, in full or excerpts or quotes must be properly referenced to the author. If the information is reproduced, transmitted or copied in any form by any means, written notification and/or permission is required of the author of the pages. This is to insure the integrity of the work is used as intended and not associated with activities of defamation, obscenity, immoral, illegal, or misappropriation of name or likeness or embarrassing situation resulting in injury to one's integrity and reputation.

The distinguishing factor from author to author and author to concepts are the arrangement of the words, thoughts and design patterns. No two people have the same thumb print for writing, speaking and thinking. Writing becomes an expression of our very being. Please give proper consideration and get permission to use my "arrangement of words, thoughts and design patterns". Copyright Law protects the direct expression of an idea when it is fixed in a tangible form. (see definitions below)

PLAGIARISM

"To appropriate the writings, graphic representations or ideas of another person and represent them as one's own, (that is, without proper attribution). Plagiarism is a form of intellectual property violation."
Please see Online Ethics Center Glossary

Rewording the author's work is plagiarism and is noticeable by the placement and rearrangement of words resulting in illogical word phrases. Plagiarism is a very serious offense, not only concerning the information on the internet but also in hard print and written works. To avoid copyright infringement based on any derivative work (see definitions below) , a web site or other form of written or electronic media must not be an adaptation of another web site or other written/electronic media.

COPYRIGHT

An "original work of authorship fixes in any tangible medium of expression from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated either directly or with the aid of machine or device." 17 U.S.C. Sec. 102 (a)

Copyright breaches will be actively researched and pursued according to United States Laws and International Law in which the TRIPS Agreement has established rights an obligations regarding all forms of international trade and intellectual property.

The majority of my web site content is determined to be a "Non-Active Passive Web Site" which means it relays information only with no intent to solicit business. I use my web pages as a tool for those whom I teach, meet and help along their spiritual journey. A simple love of teaching and helping others on their spiritual path is my objective.

If any work of the author is used without permission and proper reference, or used for monetary gains either on web sites, written or electronic method of dispersal, proper compensations will be due to the author of the work. Not only monetary penalties are involved but this would also result in a Federal conviction, criminal record and damage the plagiarists career and credibility.

Infringement Penalties

* Monetary Damages: return of profits made by use of © material
* Statutory Damages: if © is federally registered, an award from $200 for "Innocent Infringement" up to $150,000 for "Willful Infringement
* Attorney's Fees: recover all fees associated with the case
* Preliminary Injunction (PI) or a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), this pends the use of the © material until case can be tried in court

Remedy:

Copyright infringements are easy to avoid.
If you use information from the author, use quotes around the information and reference the material's source, the author's name and url, much like a bibliography in a book.

It really is that simple!

Definitions and Terminology

Fair Use Doctrine - allows exclusive rights of a copyright owner to reproduce, sell, distribute copies to public, prepare derivative works and perform/display the said copyright work.

Fair Use - "The right set forth in Section 107 of the United States Copyright Act, to use copyrighted materials for certain purposes, such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Section 107 sets out four factors to be considered in determining whether or not a particular use is fair: (1) the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes; (2) the nature of the copyrighted work; (3) the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and (4) the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work."
Please see Definitions of Words and Phrases Commonly Found in Licensing Agreements

Derivative Works - "A work based upon one or more preexisting works, such as a translation, musical arrangement, dramatization, fictionalization, motion picture version, sound recording, art reproduction, abridgment, condensation, or any other form in which a work may be recast, transformed, or adapted. A work consisting of editorial revisions, annotations, elaborations, or other modifications which, as a whole, represent an original work of authorship, is a 'derivative work'. 17 U.S.C. sec.101

For other information regarding this document:

TRIPS Agreement and Glossary of Terms - Intellectual Property Rights Protection: A Glossary
Copyright Protection Information
Creative Commons Deed

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