Copyright infringement vs plagiarism

Copyright is based in law, while plagiarism is based on ethics of academic honesty. Citing or crediting a work will suffice for a paper in college, but taking content copyrighted by another could be in violation of the law.

Plagiarism ≠ Copyright

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is an ethical issue and a violation of university policy. The K-State Honor and Integrity System provides excellent tips, strategies and resources for avoiding plagiarism. You may also visit:

• Plagiarism.org student materials: Excellent resource for understanding the basics of avoiding plagiarism and using proper citations and references.
• Self-plagiarism: Yes, you can plagiarize yourself! Be sure to cite yourself when referencing another source you wrote/created.
  
  

Copyright infringement

When a violation of copyright occurs, it is known as "infringement."

• Infringement in the law is when a work is used without the creator(s)' permission.

However, there are legal exceptions to infringement in U.S. Copyright Law. These exceptions allow for certain types of uses without violation of copyright. This is known as infringement and remedies.

You can utilize the following exceptions to remain within the law, but remember to cite to also avoid plagiarism.

• Public domain and creative commons works
• Fair use

Official documents

See Section II-A of the University Handbook, Appendix F: Academic conduct, academic honesty and honor system constitution, which outlines definitions of plagiarism and how to avoid it.

Committing plagiarism can lead to failure of a course or expulsion from the university (in extreme cases).

In addition, Section A-21 of the Student Code of Conduct states that "any illegal or unauthorized taking, selling or distribution of class notes" is to be considered misconduct "in which disciplinary sanctions will be imposed."