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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement?

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Plagiarism and copyright infringement are related but distinct concepts, both involving the improper use of someone else's work. The main differences between them are:

  1. Nature: Plagiarism is an ethical issue, involving the unacknowledged use of another person's work or ideas. Copyright infringement, on the other hand, is a legal matter, involving the unauthorized use of a work protected by copyright.
  2. Intent: Plagiarism is committed when someone passes off the work of someone else as their own or without proper attribution, regardless of the copyright status of that work. Copyright infringement occurs when someone copies, distributes, displays, or otherwise uses a copyrighted work without permission.
  3. Legal Status: Plagiarism is not illegal, but it is considered a violation of academic norms and may have negative consequences in academic and professional settings. Copyright infringement is an offense against the copyright holder and is punishable under copyright law.
  4. Remedies: To avoid plagiarism, one must properly cite and acknowledge the source of the material used, even if it is not protected by copyright. To avoid copyright infringement, one must obtain permission from the copyright holder or rely on fair use exceptions.

In summary, plagiarism is an ethical issue centered around the appropriation of another person's work or ideas without proper attribution, while copyright infringement is a legal matter involving the unauthorized use of a copyrighted work. Both concepts are related to the use of others' work, but they have distinct implications and remedies.

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  • What is the Difference Between Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement?
  • Comparative Table: Plagiarism vs Copyright Infringement

    • Comparative Table: Plagiarism vs Copyright Infringement

    Here is a table comparing the differences between plagiarism and copyright infringement:

    Feature Plagiarism Copyright Infringement
    Definition Using someone else's work or ideas without giving proper credit. Unauthorized or unlicensed copying of a copyrighted work.
    Nature Ethical violation. Legal issue and, in some cases, a civil crime.
    Work Involved Involves copying any work, whether copyrighted or not. Involves only copyrighted works, such as literary, artistic, and cinematographic works.
    Mode Can occur in both physical and electronic forms. Typically involves electronic forms.
    Penalties Not considered a crime; penalties may include academic sanctions, damage to reputation, or loss of employment opportunities. Considered a civil crime in some cases; penalties can include injunctions, monetary damages, or even criminal penalties in extreme instances.

    In summary, plagiarism is an ethical violation that involves using someone else's work or ideas without proper attribution, while copyright infringement is a legal issue that involves unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted works.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.