A license is a privilege entitling the licensee to do something that he would not be entitled to do without the license. To license or grant a license is to give permission. A license authorizes the holder to do something that he or she would not be entitled to do without the license.
A Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U. S. Code) to the authors of "original works of authorship, "including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. Section 106 of the 1976 Copyright Act generally gives the owner of copyright the exclusive right to do and to authorize others to do the following:
" To reproduce the work in copies or phonorecords;
" To prepare derivative works based upon the work;
" To distribute copies or phonorecords of the work to the public by sale or other transfer of ownership, or by rental, lease, or lending;
" To perform the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and motion pictures and other audiovisual works;
" To display the work publicly, in the case of literary, musical, dramatic, and choreographic works, pantomimes, and pictorial, graphic, or sculptural works, including the individual images of a motion picture or other audiovisual work; and
" In the case of sound recordings*, to perform the work publicly by means of a digital audio transmission.
A Maine License for the use of a Copyright is a legal document granting permission to individuals or organizations to use copyrighted material within the boundaries of the state of Maine. It is essential for anyone who wishes to use copyrighted works, such as literature, music, art, or photographs, in their own projects or ventures without the risk of copyright infringement. There are different types of Maine Licenses for the use of a Copyright, each catering to specific purposes and circumstances: 1. Creative Commons (CC) License: This type of license allows copyright holders to grant permissions to others to use their work under certain conditions. There are several variations of CC licenses, including CC BY (attribution), CC BY-SA (attribution-share alike), and CC BY-NC (attribution-noncommercial), among others. These licenses enable creators to retain their rights while still allowing others to utilize and build upon their work. 2. Public Domain License: When a work is considered to be in the public domain, it means that its copyright has expired or the creator has intentionally dedicated it to the public domain, waiving their rights. In Maine, specific rules determine when a work enters the public domain, and it can be freely used by anyone without the need for a license. 3. Fair Use: Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without acquiring a license. The purpose of the use, the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used, and the effect on the market are all factors that determine whether the use is fair. The fair use provision covers activities like criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. 4. Collective Licensing: Collective licenses are agreements between copyright holders and third-party organizations, such as performance rights organizations (Pros) or mechanical rights societies. These organizations are authorized to grant licenses on behalf of multiple copyright holders, often for works like music, performances, or broadcasts. Through collective licensing, simplicity and convenience are offered to individuals or businesses that require the use of various copyrighted materials. It is crucial to obtain the appropriate Maine License for the use of a Copyright to ensure compliance with copyright laws and avoid legal complications. The choice of the license type will depend on the nature of the copyrighted work, the desired extent of usage, and the specific rights granted under the license. Before using any copyrighted material, individuals or organizations should carefully review the terms and restrictions imposed by the license to be fully aware of their rights and obligations.
