As we move from being graduates into being scholars, there is a particular way of writing for the academic community and its called academic integrity. It shows you are aware and understand what is expected of you also by giving credit to those who layed foundation of your research. There is an ethical way of using and creating information.
Copy and paste
Letting your friend write for you
Paraphrase without giving credit
Use original ideas and thoughts
Use quotations and make sure you cite
Paraphrase and cite
Ask for help (librarian or lecturer)
Use online referencing tools (Refworks or Mendeley)
"the legal right to be the only one to reproduce, publish, and sell a book, musical recording, etc., for a certain period of time" Merriam Webster Dictionary
What it means is that Copyright is the law that protects intellectual property. Legal action can be taken against you for unfair use of information.