Ten quick tips for navigating intellectual property in FAIR educational resources

Abstract

Open Educational Resources (OER) offer a transformative approach to education by providing freely accessible learning materials. However, creating OER that meet the FAIR principles—findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable—while navigating the complexities of copyright law presents unique challenges. This paper serves as a practical guide for educators and institutions wishing to develop and share FAIR-compliant OER while respecting intellectual property rights. It presents 10 quick tips that guide the process of developing legally secure FAIR OER from planning to creation to publication, including considerations for AI-generated materials. These quick tips cover critical aspects such as understanding licensing options, cataloguing resources to ensure comprehensive attribution, and effectively managing copyright concerns. By following these guidelines, educators can improve the discoverability and reusability of their materials, streamline the creation process, and contribute to a more open and collaborative educational landscape. This comprehensive approach not only supports the widespread dissemination of knowledge but also empowers educators to innovate and share resources effectively, fostering a global community of open science and education practice, while adhering legal regulations.