Q: If students pay to enroll in an online course I’ve created, does fair use still apply when I link to outside resources?
A:
Fair use may still apply when you link to outside resources in an online course you've created, even if students pay to enroll. Fair use is a complex legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for certain educational purposes, among others. However, fair use is context-specific, and each case should be evaluated based on the specific circumstances and the nature of the linked resources.
James L. Arrasmith
Founder and Chief Legal Counsel of The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith
A:
You are totally in the clear for links.
You aren't making any claim to or copy of any content when you link to it so copyright doesn't even apply. The only concern you should really have is the possibility that the linked material could be changed or removed by the people who maintain the outside material.
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