Copyright
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This wiki page contains references on OpenStreetMap resources related to the topic copyright.
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Reason for Developing OpenStreetMap
Proprietary data
Do not use data from copyrighted maps or any other proprietary data! So copying, tracing or any act of reproduction of any copyrighted work is strictly prohibited. Copyright is a `negative' or `prohibitive' right, meaning that it prevents certain groups from doing something with the copyrighted work. The original copyright holder has, what is called, exclusive rights over the work and is thus the only authority that has the ability to alter permissions and use. If you find data within OpenStreetMap that you believe is an infringement of someone else's copyright, then please make contact with the Data Working Group.
On most maps you'll find a copyright, trademark symbol or something similar that indicates it as proprietary. This is accompanied by the copyright holder and a date of publication. You can often find evidence of this in far end corners of the map itself or on/inside map covers. Like physical copyrighted works, electronic data sources should have a terms of condition, disclaimer or copyright notice attached with it. If unsure: do not use.
Learn here about Copyright Easter Eggs.
