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💡intro to intellectual property review

TEACH Act

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The TEACH (Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization) Act is a federal law that provides guidelines and exceptions to copyright law to allow for the use of copyrighted materials in distance education and online learning environments. It aims to balance the rights of copyright holders with the educational needs of instructors and students in the digital age.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The TEACH Act was enacted in 2002 to update copyright law for the digital age and facilitate the use of copyrighted materials in distance education.
  2. The TEACH Act expands the scope of fair use for educational purposes, allowing instructors to use more copyrighted materials in online and distance learning courses.
  3. The TEACH Act requires institutions to implement measures to prevent the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials by students, such as password-protected access and technological protection measures.
  4. The TEACH Act applies to accredited, nonprofit educational institutions and does not cover for-profit educational entities or commercial uses of copyrighted materials.
  5. The TEACH Act does not apply to the use of textbooks, course packs, or other materials typically purchased or licensed by students for their independent use.

Review Questions

  • Explain the purpose and key provisions of the TEACH Act.
    • The TEACH Act was enacted to update copyright law and facilitate the use of copyrighted materials in distance education and online learning environments. Its key provisions include expanding the scope of fair use for educational purposes, requiring institutions to implement measures to prevent unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials, and limiting the application of the Act to accredited, nonprofit educational institutions. The TEACH Act aims to balance the rights of copyright holders with the educational needs of instructors and students in the digital age.
  • Analyze how the TEACH Act has impacted the use of copyrighted materials in online and distance education.
    • The TEACH Act has significantly impacted the use of copyrighted materials in online and distance education. By expanding the scope of fair use for educational purposes, the Act has allowed instructors to use more copyrighted materials in their online and distance learning courses. However, the Act also requires institutions to implement measures to prevent the unauthorized distribution of these materials, such as password-protected access and technological protection measures. This has led to a more regulated and controlled environment for the use of copyrighted materials in digital educational settings, balancing the needs of educators and the rights of copyright holders.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the TEACH Act in achieving its goal of harmonizing copyright law with the needs of distance education.
    • The TEACH Act has been generally effective in achieving its goal of harmonizing copyright law with the needs of distance education, but it has also faced some limitations and challenges. On the one hand, the Act has expanded the ability of instructors to use copyrighted materials in online and distance learning courses, which has been crucial for the growth and accessibility of digital education. However, the Act's requirements for institutions to implement measures to prevent unauthorized distribution of materials have been criticized as overly burdensome and restrictive. Additionally, the Act's exclusion of for-profit educational entities and certain types of materials, such as textbooks, has been seen by some as limiting its broader impact. Overall, the TEACH Act represents a significant step in adapting copyright law to the digital age, but ongoing evaluation and refinement may be necessary to ensure its continued effectiveness in supporting the evolving needs of distance education.