Not all technical standards are copyrighted.
General Rule:
Factors Affecting Copyrightability:
Exceptions and Considerations:
It's important to remember that copyright protection only applies to the specific expression of the standard, not the underlying ideas or functionalities it describes. Implementing a standard in a product or service generally doesn't infringe copyright, as long as you don't directly copy the copyrighted text or layout.
Therefore, it's crucial to investigate the specific status of each technical standard to determine whether copyright applies and what limitations or permissions might exist. Consulting with legal counsel familiar with intellectual property law is always recommended for navigating complex copyright issues related to technical standards. For general questions or where to find more help on copyright please visit the Copyright Research Guide or contact your Subject Librarian.
Sharing of Standards
In most cases, text from standards is searchable and can be copied and pasted into other documents, subject to copyright restrictions. The availability of this feature, however, depends on how the publisher produced and released the publication.
Whether it's okay to share copies of technical standards depends on several factors:
Copyright Status:
Additionally:
Recommendations:
Remember, sharing copyrighted material without permission can have serious legal repercussions. It's important to exercise caution and ensure you have the proper permissions before distributing copies of technical standards.
Secure PDF
A Secure PDF is a file containing features that prevent reproduction or distribution to other users, in the same way that users are prohibited from making copies of printed documents. This security features simply enforces existing copyright laws.
Note: To view Standards made available from Techsteet platform Adobe Acrobat Reader and the FileOpen plug-in are required to view Secure PDFs.
When referencing standards in your work, it's crucial to confirm the appropriate citation style. While there isn't a single, universal format for standards, the preferred style often depends on your specific field, the journal you're targeting, or even your professor's requirements. To ensure proper citation, consult directly with your professor for their preferred citation style. Don't hesitate to utilize the library resources – both Citation Styles Research Guide and the expertise of librarians themselves. Subject Librarians are well-equipped to assist you in navigating various citation styles and finding the most fitting approach for incorporating technical standards into your research.
Examples:
Referencing Standards with Year of Approval:
ASTM Standard C33, 2003, "Specification for Concrete Aggregates," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2003, DOI: 10.1520/C0033-03, www.astm.org.
Referencing Standards (multiple revisions in same year):
ASTM Standard C33, 2003a, "Specification for Concrete Aggregates," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2003, DOI: 10.1520/C0033-03A, www.astm.org.
Referencing Standards (reapproved):
ASTM Standard C33, 2003 (2006), "Specification for Concrete Aggregates," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2006, DOI: 10.1520/C0033-03R06, www.astm.org.
Referencing Standards (editorial change):
ASTM Standard C33, 2003e1, "Specification for Concrete Aggregates," ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA, 2003, DOI: 10.1520/C0033-03E01, www.astm.org.