Defense Civilian Faculty Copyright Act of 2025
Summary
The Defense Civilian Faculty Copyright Act of 2025 amends Title 17 of the United States Code. It allows the federal government royalty-free use of literary works produced by civilian faculty members of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) when created during their employment. This bill aims to streamline the government's access to educational and research materials produced at USUHS.
Expected Effects
The Act will permit the federal government to utilize literary works from USUHS civilian faculty without needing to pay royalties. This could reduce costs associated with using these materials. It may also encourage wider dissemination of USUHS faculty's work within government agencies.
Potential Benefits
- Cost savings for the federal government by eliminating royalty payments.
- Increased access to USUHS faculty's literary works for government use.
- Potentially faster dissemination of research and educational materials.
- May incentivize USUHS faculty to produce more literary works knowing they will be used by the government.
- Supports the mission of USUHS by facilitating the use of its faculty's work.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential disincentive for faculty to create literary works if they feel their intellectual property is not adequately valued.
- Possible legal challenges regarding the scope of "literary works" and "course of employment".
- Could be perceived as unfair compensation for faculty members.
- May set a precedent for similar royalty-free use policies at other institutions.
- Potential impact on the market for USUHS faculty's publications outside of government use.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
This bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to "promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries." The bill modifies existing copyright law (Title 17) within the bounds of Congressional authority. It does not appear to infringe on any individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution or its amendments.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).