ABA Family Legal Guide

Computer Law

Computer Copyright and Trademark Issues

Copying Words and Pictures from the Internet

May I print or e-mail articles from online newspapers or magazines?

Newspapers and magazines are copyrighted, and reproducing them, with some narrow exceptions such as for educational purposes, would normally be illegal. However, in recent years, many of these publications have openly encouraged computer users to print or e-mail the articles by providing printer-friendly versions of articles and inviting users to "e-mail this article to a friend." Some online zines (self-published magazines) permit the forwarding of entire articles only.