Any Legal Issues with Posting Solutions to Textbook Problems?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the potential legal issues surrounding the posting of LaTeXed solutions to textbook problems by a physics instructor. Participants emphasize the importance of contacting the textbook authors to clarify copyright concerns, as the textbook is copyrighted material. While educational leniency may apply, there is a risk of violating copyright laws, especially since solutions manuals are typically restricted to teachers. Legal advice cannot be provided, but caution is advised.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of copyright laws related to educational materials
  • Familiarity with LaTeX for formatting solutions
  • Knowledge of the specific textbook and its authors
  • Awareness of the distinction between educational use and commercial use
NEXT STEPS
  • Research copyright laws applicable to educational content
  • Learn about fair use policies in educational settings
  • Contact textbook authors for permission regarding solution sharing
  • Explore alternative resources for students, such as study guides
USEFUL FOR

Educators, particularly those teaching physics or similar subjects, legal professionals advising on copyright issues, and anyone involved in creating educational resources.

DownAndOut
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Hi, all.

My friend is teaching a physics class. She personally has worked out and LaTeXed solutions to many of the problems from the class text with the intention of posting them online so students can use them to study. I'm mildly concerned that this might violate some sort of copyright since the class text is copyrighted... Do you guys know if there are any legal issues here?

I'm mostly just curious, since a physics problem is a kind of abstract thing and it seems strange that you could have legal ownership over it, but maybe you can!

Thanks and regards.
 
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She needs to contact the authors, some leniency is allowed for educational purposes, but she may be going too far. They sell solutions manuals to teachers and students are not allowed to have them, does she not have one? I assume she must not be a college professor, since should know this?
 
Answer: Tell her to contact the authors. We have no way of telling if what she is doing would hold up in a court of law.

We cannot give legal advice.
 

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