HKUST Library Statement on Copyright

The Copyright Regulations of Hong Kong govern the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Photocopying services are provided for patrons of the University Library with a clear understanding that copying by or for library users does not involve any violation of copyright.  All copying must be for the purpose of research or private study.

Legal Restrictions

1. For all individuals making PERSONAL COPIES:
   • Photocopies made must be for the purpose of research or private study.
2. Where COPYING IS MADE FOR OTHERS:
   • The copying must be for research or private study, and the copying must not result in more than one person having copies of substantially the same material at substantially the same time and for substantially the same purpose.
3. If COPYING IS TO BE MADE ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY, for University activities, the copying must be:
   1. for the purpose of instruction; or
   2. for the purpose of an examination by way of setting the questions or communicating the questions to the candidates excluding photocopying of musical works for performance by examination candidates.

 

Extent of Copying

1. If copies are for research or private study, the test is whether the act of photocopying constitutes fair dealing taking into account:
   1. the purpose and nature of the copying,
   2. the nature of the work copied, and
   3. the amount and substance copied in relation to the work as a whole.
2. If copies are for the purpose of instruction or examination, the copying must be limited to a reasonable extent of an artistic work, or a published literary or dramatic work.

 

Note: The act of photocopying should not conflict with a normal exploitation of a work by the copyright owner nor unreasonably prejudice the legitimate interests of the copyright owner.

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Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2007

The Intellectual Property Department of the HKSAR provides Information on Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2007 Copyright and Education, which includes:

• A PDF Guidelines for Photocopying of Printed Works by Not-for-profit Educational Establishments
• A PDF, FAQs on Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2007 – Copyright Exemptions

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Performing, playing or showing videos

Public performance (showing to the public) of videos is a restricted act under the Hong Kong Copyright Ordinance.

On campus, showing a video to an audience consisting mainly of teachers, students and their parents/guardians for the purpose of giving or receiving instruction is allowed.

Other public performances (e.g. for entertainment purposes) may require further licensing and permission from the copyright owner or a licensing body.

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Questions?

• Go to the Library Guide on Copyright for more details, plus information on Creative Commons licensing
• Email Victoria Caplan (lbcaplan@ust.hk)

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