# Copyright basics

The instant an work is created it is protected by copyright. Copyright protects all works of literature, science, and art that are original.
In Dutch law a work is original enough to get copyright if:

- It has its own and original character
- It bears ‘the personal stamp’ of the creator

Not copyrightable
A commonly known fact like ‘Grass is green’ is not original enough to receive copyright. Also not copyrightable are data, techniques, methods and ideas and thoughts that have not (yet) been materialized. As well as unchanged output of generative AI.
Take note: When a work isn’t copyrighted other rights may still apply, like trademark law or patent law.

What does this mean for you?
According to copyright law only the copyright holder of a work has the right to decide how (and if) others may make the work public or to reproduce it. This means that, if, for example, you find an article online according to copyright law you may not copy and share it with your students. When you yourself create an original work, e.g. course material, this is also automatically copyrighted. If others want to (re)use it they will need permission. Note that the maker of a work may not be the copyright holder. For works created in employment the employer may be the copyright holder.

Exceptions for education
Because the copyright rules are quite strict, the law contains limitations and exceptions. These benefit (among others) education, libraries and people with disabilities. Teachers at Dutch Universities of Applied Sciences can make use of exceptions in copyright for education. E.g. the Easy Access Agreement is a practical implementation of an exception in copyright law. To learn more check out the website of the Copyright Information Point at: https://rotterdamuas.com/copyright

As you’ve just read copyright law restricts the use and sharing of works.
To make this less restrictive Creative Commons licenses have been created. You will read more about these in the next segment.