What Does this Message Mean?- Got it from a .gov website

10 replies
Hello friends,
I sent an email to a gov website on the copyright of the content I found from their website. And below is what they responded. *Please note that I have used X, Y, A and B for different websites*

************************************************** ************************

On behalf of the X Center, we are responding to your request for information on the copyright policy.

The information contained in materials published by the X is in the public domain. No further permission is required to reproduce or reprint the information in whole or in part. However, organizations that reproduce X publications should cite the Y Institute as a part of the 'A' and the 'B' Services as the source. This applies to printed publications as well as documents, graphics, and animations from the X Web site. Organizations may add their own logo or name. We further ask that no changes be made in the content of the material, and that the material as well as any X Internet links should not be used in any direct or indirect product endorsement or advertising.

************************************************** **********************
So does it mean that if I decide to sell their content as an ebook that I should cite the source?

The thing that got me confused was when they mentioned it is public domain and when they said , "However, organizations that reproduce X publications should cite the Y Institute as a part of the 'A' and the 'B' Services as the source. This applies to printed publications as well as documents, graphics, and animations from the X Web site"

Can someone clarify what this message exactly means?

Thanks,
Dan
#gov #message #website
  • Profile picture of the author intromaster
    I understand it to mean that you can use it but just give them credit by citing them as the source.

    By the way, I am using lots of free government information in my products!
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    • Profile picture of the author yourreviewer
      Originally Posted by intromaster View Post

      I understand it to mean that you can use it but just give them credit by citing them as the source.

      By the way, I am using lots of free government information in my products!
      So it is more of a good practice than a must, Am I reading this right?
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  • Profile picture of the author vbmark
    Government produced data and information does not require citation as it is public domain.
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    • Profile picture of the author yourreviewer
      Originally Posted by vbmark View Post

      Government produced data and information does not require citation as it is public domain.
      If I understand it correctly, it's not all government oproduced data and information because some may have been works that they work with other institutions.
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      • Profile picture of the author vbmark
        Originally Posted by yourreviewer View Post

        If I understand it correctly, it's not all government oproduced data and information because some may have been works that they work with other institutions.
        But if they paid for that work that they did with others, then it was paid for by the people. If they did not pay for it then it is either free or they stole it, lol.
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        • Profile picture of the author yourreviewer
          Originally Posted by vbmark View Post

          But if they paid for that work that they did with others, then it was paid for by the people. If they did not pay for it then it is either free or they stole it, lol.
          But I think legally, not all government content is Public Domain and there are restrictions with respect to the way you use the content. I think it would be useful if any Public Domain Experts can clarify this issue.
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          • Profile picture of the author Kay King
            Think outside the internet - people do reproduce some govt reports by having copies printed for distribution. In fact, if you look at some info from insurance or mortgage or whatever companies you may notice that the govt sources are credited in small print often at the very end. You will also see notices on online sites where govt tables or whatever are added to a site and the site has "information from xxxx.gov" just below the graphic. You'll see this often on .edu sites.

            The explanation seems about as clear as it can get. Thinking "legally" is fine - if you are an attorney. For the rest of us - it's just guessing.
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          • Profile picture of the author vbmark
            Originally Posted by yourreviewer View Post

            But I think legally, not all government content is Public Domain and there are restrictions with respect to the way you use the content. I think it would be useful if any Public Domain Experts can clarify this issue.
            Yeah, I agree. I wouldn't take it as a blanket statement.
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  • Profile picture of the author PanamaRex
    It's normal netiquette and accepted copyright "fair use" to quote a portion of material from another's copyrighted material as long as credit is given to the author. In this instance, it appears their copyright policy is allowing you to use their material as long as you cite the source.
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    • Profile picture of the author JasonC.biz
      Not an attorney myself, but in reading quite a bit about PD, my understanding is that if a publication was created BY a federal government employee in his/her duty/capacity as a federal government employee, then the publication is in the public domain*. I've never read that the source needs to be cited. However, if they're asking you to, you might consider it.

      * Not the case with the Secret Service though, I don't believe. There may be a few other agencies that are not in the PD.

      Note the wording "created BY a federal government employee". Sometimes the government pays private companies/individuals to create publications. These can be copywrighted by the companies/individuals and are not automatically in the PD.

      Again though, I'm not an attorney myself and if you have a real concern, contact an attorney. Alternatively you can check the Nolo book on Public Domain, available from Amazon.

      Jason
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