The Law: Technology, Copyright, and Intellectual Property _ Change Agent

The  Law: Technology, Copyright, and Intellectual Property 

Tech law is the way that technology or the internet has come into our life and changed it. The internet and technology has brought many changes in our life.  Federal and state laws protect our music, writing, and other property that we create.  They are called “intellectual property” law, and they include copyright, trademark, and our patent laws that are for various situations with each having its own set of technical rules.  

When we use the creative work of others we should be concerned with copyright law.  Privacy right is used when someone’s work is used.  Below is a summary of the various types of intellectual property laws.

• Copyright. Original creative works such as paintings, writing, architecture, movies, software, photos, dance, and music are protected by federal copyright law. 
• Trademark. Brand names such as Nike and Avis that identify and distinguish products and services, are protected under federal and state law.
• Right of Publicity. The image and name of a person are protected under a patchwork of state laws known as the right of publicity. 
• Trade Secrets. State and federal trade secret laws protect sensitive business information. 
• Right of Privacy. Privacy laws preserve the right of all people to be left alone. 

As a change agent I would be the voice to help educate others about the special laws that govern the internet when using the creative work of others in the workplace.   Continuous collaboration with my colleagues, co-workers, and other people in my community will create and maintain learning environments that assure academic development.  Getting others involved in helping would implement change would help people succeed when they interact with the internet using technology laws.