In its original usage in America, the word science referred to education.

   Authors are assured, by copyright, to the right to use and copy their original expression. This provides a measure of financial incintive for the authors in order to “promote progress.”  However, copyright law also incorporates provisions intended to encourage others to build freely upon the ideas and information found in other works.

 In most fields of research, whether it be academic, commercial, or hobby, the growth of knowledge is very dependent upon the efforts of other researchers. Appropriate use of copyrighted material is covered in copyright law. There are specific rights stipulated for non-profit educational uses.  Limited uses in other environments are allowed under the fair use provisions of the copyright laws.

Uses other than those allowed by copyright laws are considered to be infringements.  An example of this would be the use of a copyrighted graphic in a presentation or on a web page that is used without permission or license from the copyright owner. (The U.S. flag below could be such an infringement, except that its use is authorized under license of the copyright owner. )