Halacha and Copywrite
Question
I am a teacher and have created some curriculum resources that I would like to sell. In order to encourage schools to buy my resources, I would like to give the principle a free sample to look at and discuss with her teachers. However, I do not want them to copy and distribute it. Is it a halachic violation to steal / reproduce/ share, intellectual property and creativity? What is the halachic violation ? What is the best way to word this on my product/resource?
Answers
First, please accept my personal Brocha that your resources be successful and that it help many others to teach more effectively.
If you write clearly on your resources that nothing can be reproduced or used without your express permission, it would be forbidden according to the Halacha for anyone to make copies or use it without first asking you. If anyone were to use your resources without your permission, they would be contravening the Halacha, and could in theory be taken to Beis Din.
Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team