Whenever you borrow words, charts, graphs, photos, music, and ...

[Anajune7]

Whenever you borrow words, charts, graphs, photos, music, and other media-in short, any intellectual property-it is important to know what is legal and acceptable. Identify and explain three of the five guidelines provided in the textbook for avoiding copyright infringement.

Question 2

Most business reports fit into two broad categories. List and describe these two categories; then present one original example of each.

[sailorcrescent]

Answer to Question 1

Assume that all intellectual property is copyrighted. Nearly everything created privately and originally after 1989 is copyrighted and protected whether or not it has a copyright notice.
Realize that Internet items and resources are NOT in the public domain. No modern intellectual or artistic creation is in the public domain (free to be used by anyone) unless the owner explicitly says so.
Observe fair-use restrictions. Be aware of the four-factor test. Avoid appropriating large amounts of outside material.
Ask for permission. You are always safe if you obtain permission. Write to the source, identify the material you wish to include, and explain where it will be used. Expect to pay for permission.
Don't assume that a footnote is all that is needed. Including a footnote to a source prevents plagiarism but not copyright infringement. Anything copied beyond the boundaries of fair use requires permission.


Answer to Question 2

Informational reports: Reports that present data without analysis or recommendations are informational. For such reports, writers collect and organize facts, but they do not analyze the facts for readers.

Example: A report describing a new company social media policy



Analytical reports: Reports that provide data, analyses, and conclusions are analytical. If requested, writers also supply recommendations. Analytical reports may intend to persuade readers to act or to change their beliefs.
Example: A report written to one's supervisor recommending that the department implement a flexible work schedule