Editing RetroTechCollection:Copyrights

This page explains RetroTechCollection’s policies on copyright and licensing for content—text, images, diagrams, schematics, software listings, and other media—hosted on the site.

=== Purpose ===
This policy ensures that material on RetroTechCollection respects the rights of original creators, avoids infringement, and clearly communicates the licensing terms under which content is made available.

== 1. Scope ==
This policy applies to all content contributed by users or imported from external sources, including:
* Photographs of hardware, screenshots, scans, and diagrams  
* Excerpts from technical manuals, service guides, or datasheets  
* Software listings, ROM code snippets, and BASIC programs  
* Logos, trademarks, and branding assets  

== 2. Public Domain and Free Licenses ==
=== 2.1 Public Domain ===
Material in the public domain may be freely reproduced. Acceptable sources include:
* Expired copyrights (typically 70 years after author’s death, varies by jurisdiction)  
* US Government works not subject to copyright  
* Works explicitly dedicated to the public domain (e.g., CC0)  

When using public domain content, state:
<pre>
''This image/manual/page is in the public domain.''  
Source: [URL or reference]
</pre>

=== 2.2 Free and Open Licenses ===
Content under a compatible free license may be used, provided attribution and license terms are honored. Accepted licenses include:
* Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY)  
* Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike (CC BY-SA)  
* GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL)  
* MIT, BSD, or similarly permissive text licenses  

Include a clear license statement on the page or file description:

<pre>
''Licensed under {{cc-by-sa|4.0}}.'''  
Source: [URL or reference]  
</pre>

== 3. Fair Use and Non-Free Content ==
RetroTechCollection discourages non-free content unless strictly necessary. Permissible only if:
# No free alternative exists.  
# The use is minimal and illustrative (e.g., one diagram from a manual).  
# The use adds significant new context or commentary (transformative).  
# You provide:
;Description of the work  
;Purpose of use (e.g., critical analysis, documentation)  
;Amount used (e.g., one figure)  
;Justification of fair use under U.S. law or local equivalents  

Use the {{non-free}} template on pages containing fair-use content:

<pre>
{{non-free
| source = '''Electroluminescent display schematic''', ''Commodore SX-64 Service Manual'', 1984
| rationale = '''Illustration of EL backlight circuit; no free equivalent available.'''
| resolution = 600×400px
}}
</pre>

== 4. Uploading and Attribution ==
=== 4.1 Local vs. Commons ===
* '''Local upload'''—Use when fair use or non-free restrictions apply. Files remain on RetroTechCollection servers.  
* '''Commons upload'''—Preferred for PD or freely licensed content. Increases discoverability and reuse.

=== 4.2 Required Information ===
When uploading any media, include:
* Title and description of the work  
* Author/creator name  
* Source URL or publication reference (manual name, date, page)  
* Licensing information (public domain, CC BY-SA, fair use rationale)  

Example file description:
<pre>
== Summary ==
Photo of Commodore 64C motherboard (ASSY 250469).

== Source ==
Own photograph, May 2025.

== Licensing ==
{{cc-by|4.0}}  
</pre>

== 5. Text Content and Excerpts ==
RetroTechCollection’s text content should be:
* Original writing or paraphrased summaries of sources.  
* Limited quotations (≤ 10% of freely available text) with clear blockquote markup and source attribution.  

For longer technical excerpts (e.g., code listings, register tables), prefer linking to an external public-domain or freely licensed PDF, or host on Commons under appropriate license.

== 6. Trademarks and Logos ==
Registered trademarks (e.g., “Commodore,” “Atari,” “Sega”) remain the property of their owners. Permissible uses:
* Identifying the subject of the page (nominative fair use).  
* Using low-resolution logos for identification in infoboxes or galleries.  

Always include:
<pre>
''“XYZ” is a registered trademark of XYZ Corporation. Used here under nominative fair use for identification purposes only.''  
</pre>

== 7. Derivative Works ==
When creating diagrams, schematics, or annotated images:
* Base your work on public-domain or freely licensed originals, or  
* Substantially transform copyrighted material (e.g., redrawn, colorized, annotated).  
* Credit the original source and clearly distinguish your additions.

== 8. Takedown and Enforcement ==
If you believe content on RetroTechCollection infringes copyright:
# Contact [mailto:copyright@retrotechcollection.org Support] with details:  
:* Page/file name  
:* Link to original work  
:* Evidence of infringement  
# RetroTechCollection will review and, if necessary, remove or replace the content promptly.

== 9. Further Reading and Resources ==
* [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ CC licenses overview]  
* [https://www.copyright.gov/fair-use/fair-use-faq.html U.S. Copyright Office—Fair Use FAQ]  
* [https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Licensing Wikimedia Commons licensing]  

<references/>