Copyright can feel complicated, but understanding the basics helps you create, share, and reuse materials responsibly. Learn the key principles, what’s protected, and your rights on the Foundations of Copyright webpage.
Upholding standards of integrity is fundamental. Learn about the key differences between plagiarism and copyright infringement, and how they relate to each other on the Academic Integrity, Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement webpage.

Many common assumptions are actually misconceptions. Check our myths & misunderstandings to learn more:

Myth 1 — “If something is on the internet it’s free to reuse.”

Correction: Online availability does not equal permission; copyright still applies. Authorisation or a valid exception is required.

Myth 3 — “If I add commentary or change an image it becomes mine."

Correction: Transformation can influence infringement analysis but does not automatically make reuse lawful under EU or Dutch law — you still need a licence or to fall under a specific exception (e.g., quotation, or parody). Courts assess purpose, extent, and market effect.

Myth 5 — “If I credit the author, I can reuse the work.”

Correction: Attribution is important for moral rights but does not replace permission for uses covered by economic rights. Credit alone doesn’t avoid infringement. Explore detailed information on  economic and moral rights

Myth 2 — “You can always quote or excerpt freely (fair use).”

Correction: The EU does not have US-style fair use; it has a limited set of exceptions e.g. a right to quote in scientific discourses and an exception for educational use. For more info see our section on Exceptions to copyright law.

Myth 4 — “Non-commercial use is always permitted.”

Correction: Non commercial intent helps the assessment of exceptions but does not automatically legalise unauthorised copying. Some exceptions expressly mention non commercial contexts (private copying), but scope is limited.

 

Support and resources

The Copyright Information Point (CIP) offers a range of resources and services to help you navigate copyright with confidence. Whether you are looking for a quick answer, practical guidance, or tailored advice, you will find the right support here.

The CIP offers a one-hour session for UM educators, students and staff on protecting your own work and responsibly using others’, with practical tips for everyday challenges, available on request.

Request a workshop

Copyright FAQ page

Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions before reaching out to the CIP. You’ll find clear answers to common questions on how to use, share, and reproduce materials legally and responsibly.

Visit our FAQ

Practical resources

Explore a range of practical resources to help you apply copyright rules in your daily work and studies:

Contact the CIP team

The Copyright Information Point (CIP) is your university’s central hub for copyright support. We help all members of the UM community understand and apply copyright rules in their work. Whether you need advice for teaching, research, learning materials or UM communications, we offer guidance tailored to your needs. Do you have a question for the CIP team? Reach out via the webform below.

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