Copyright

The TEACH Act (Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization Act of 2002) is a federal law that allows instructors at accredited nonprofit institutions to use certain copyrighted works in online or hybrid instruction without obtaining permission or paying a license fee if specific conditions are met. The TEACH Act is more limited than Fair Use and includes strict conditions for instructors and institutions.

To qualify for TEACH Act protections, instructors and the college must meet all required conditions.

• Use Brightspace or another password-protected LMS with restricted access to enrolled students
• Limit availability to the teaching period or class session
• Use legal copies not borrowed from unauthorized websites or file-sharing platforms
• Give attribution and display copyright notices when possible

If you meet the TEACH Act’s requirements, you may perform or display certain copyrighted works in online instruction. These permissions apply only to students enrolled in the course and only during the active teaching period.

• Show reasonable portions of other works (e.g., scenes from a film, excerpts from a play)
• Display still images and text materials comparable to in-person classroom use
• Use licensed content if rights allow for instructional streaming or digital display

The TEACH Act includes many restrictions. Even if you're teaching online in Brightspace or another LMS, these uses are not permitted unless you have permission or a separate legal justification:

• Uploading entire copyrighted textbooks or workbooks — even if used in your class
• Streaming full-length dramatic works like movies, plays, or operas
• Posting content for entertainment or enrichment only (not tied to learning outcomes)
• Using pirated, bootleg, or illegally obtained content under any circumstance