Your company is based in the United States with personnel in other countries. All operate under different local copyright laws, yet they all need the same thing—information. Sound familiar?

International copyright is one of the most popular topics raised by our readers, and with good reason. Raising copyright awareness and securing rights for employees across the globe can seem daunting. But copyright experts Lolly Gasaway and Lesley Ellen Harris say there are steps companies can take to tackle the issue head-on.

The basic premise behind how copyright affects the global workforce is straightforward. “Apply the law of the country where the content is being used,” said Harris.

Almost every country has its own copyright laws. While most of those laws are fairly consistent from one country to the next, there are some differences, such as the duration of copyrights, and the extent of exceptions for private use in some countries, fair use in the United States and fair dealing in the United Kingdom, Canada and other countries.

Harris, a copyright lawyer and author, and Gasaway, associate dean for academic affairs and professor of law at the University of North Carolina School of Law, suggest global organizations start addressing international copyright issues by including information in their copyright policies.

In addition, they recommend companies designate an individual who can gather employee questions on the subject and meet with corporate counsel periodically to get answers. Employers can then cover those topics in future educational materials for personnel.

To educate employees in multiple locations, consider e-mail and online presentations, and remember that less is more, said Harris. “I truly believe in keeping it light,” she said. “People are overwhelmed with copyright. They’re scared of it. So give little pieces of information here and there and any practical advice that makes it easier for those that use content.”

Both experts suggested companies make copyright education more interesting by tackling the subject from different angles specific to their organizations, inviting outside presenters to deliver online seminars for employees, and posting FAQs and other information on their intranet sites.

“You’ve got to keep reminding people,” said Gasaway.

Gasaway also recommends that companies consider using a system to organize the copyright licenses they’ve secured on behalf of employees. “Use some sort of database where individuals can easily determine whether there is a licensing agreement and what it permits.”

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