Toastmasters International Area Director Handbook
Toastmasters Used Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property Word-for-Word in Their Publication Without Authorization or Attribution
23 October 2023
BY SCOTT M. GRAFFIUS | ScottGraffius.com
Introduction
Toastmasters used—without authorization or attribution—Scott M. Graffius’ copyrighted property in their publication. Based on the indisputable facts, Toastmasters’ bad acts involve the ethical issue of plagiarism and the legal issue of copyright infringement.
Graffius maintains, enforces, and protects his copyright and other intellectual property rights. This article serves as a clarion call for Toastmasters to face the repercussions of, and take responsibility for, their blatant and damaging violation.
Background
Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman, Ph.D., and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Scott M. Graffius’ first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his ‘Phases of Team Development.’ It’s a unique perspective on the five phases of team development—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning—and it’s inclusive of the characteristics/features/traits and strategies for each phase.
Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ intellectual property is registered with the United States Copyright Office.
Graffius initially developed his intellectual property in 2008, and he periodically refreshes it. For reference, an authorized example of his copyrighted property applicable in this case (2021 edition) is here: https://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.22040.42246 . It is shown below as well (as Exhibit 1).
As shown above, Graffius’ copyright ownership details are integrated into and appear on his copyrighted property. Specifically, it reads: “Copyright © 2008-2021 Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved. For permission requests, contact scott@scottgraffius.com.”
Conference organizers, businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities around the world engage Graffius to deliver compelling talks and workshops. Examples are here.
Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ intellectual property is central and key to many of those sessions. Details including his rate card, a listing of his engagements, and more are here.
With an authorization/license from Graffius, many organizations around the world have featured and used his copyrighted ‘Phases of Team Development’ work. Select examples include Yale University, Adobe, IEEE, Microsoft, UK Sports Institute, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, American Management Association, and many others.
Copyrights protect the intellectual property rights of creators, ensuring they receive recognition and compensation for their work, thus incentivizing creativity and innovation. Graffius is vigilant in upholding, protecting, and enforcing his copyrights and other IP rights.
Toastmasters Used Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property Word-for-Word in Their Publication Without Authorization or Attribution, Violating Graffius’ Intellectual Property Rights
Toastmasters infringing 2022 publication is marked with:
- “Toastmasters International”
- “Area Director Handbook”
- “2022”
- “Guide to a successful year as Area Director”
- “District 101”
Exhibit 2 is below. It shows pages 2, 19, 20, and 21 from the infringing 2022 publication.
Further details follow.
Again, Graffius’ copyright ownership details and permission request information are integrated into and appear on his intellectual property.
Toastmasters did not request nor receive permission to use Graffius’ copyrighted property.
Nevertheless, Toastmasters used Graffius’ 4 January 2021 copyrighted property in their 2022 publication.
Comparing Graffius' copyrighted 4 January 2021 'Phases of Team Development' intellectual property what Toastmasters has in its 2022 publication is reveals Toastmasters’ blatant infringement.
Exhibit 3 is below. It shows Toastmasters extensive—including word-for-word—use of Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the Forming stage of team development.
Exhibit 4 is below. It shows Toastmasters extensive—including word-for-word—use of Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the Storming stage of team development.
Exhibit 5 is below. It shows Toastmasters extensive—including word-for-word—use of Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the Norming stage of team development.
Exhibit 6 is below. It shows Toastmasters extensive—including word-for-word—use of Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the Performing stage of team development.
Exhibit 7 is below. It shows Toastmasters extensive—including word-for-word—use of Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the Adjourning stage of team development.
Further, Toastmasters did not attribute their use of Graffius’ copyrighted property to Graffius. Accordingly, Toastmasters is wrongly leading others to falsely believe that they (or others) are the author and owner of Graffius’ respective copyrighted property.
Conclusion
Again, Graffius’ copyright ownership details and permission request information are integrated into and appear on his intellectual property.
Toastmasters did not request nor receive permission to use Graffius’ copyrighted property.
Nevertheless, Toastmasters used Graffius’ 4 January 2021 copyrighted property in their 2022 infringing publication.
Toastmasters used a significant volume of Graffius’ copyrighted property.
Toastmasters’ infringement included extensive word-for-word use of Graffius’ copyrighted property.
Toastmasters did not attribute their use of Graffius’ copyrighted property to Graffius. Accordingly, Toastmasters is wrongly leading others to falsely believe that they (or others) are the author and owner of Graffius’ respective copyrighted content.
Toastmasters damaged the marketability and value of Graffius’ copyrighted property.
For the aforementioned reasons, Toastmasters’ use of Graffius’ copyrighted property was not ‘fair use’ nor otherwise allowed.
Additionally, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), 17 U.S. Code § 1202, addresses the integrity of copyright management information. It specifies that that removal of copyright information from another’s intellectual property is a crime. That’s for all cases, including educational/non-commercial use. As shown by comparing Graffius' copyrighted property (Exhibit 1) and with page 19 of Toastmasters infringing publication (shown in Exhibit 2), Toastmasters cropped-out or otherwise removed Graffius’ copyright information. That alone makes Toastmasters' actions not ‘fair use’ and a crime.
Toastmasters’ actions in this matter are a disgraceful breach of professional ethics, moral standards, and Graffius’ intellectual property rights.
So long as the infringing publication exists in any form, Toastmasters knowingly and willfully continues to spread misinformation and violate Graffius’ intellectual property rights.
Toastmasters must immediately implement the following three (3) actions:
Graffius maintains, enforces, and protects his copyright and other intellectual property rights. He reserves his rights in this damaging, disturbing, and consequential matter.
This article serves as a clarion call for Toastmasters to face the repercussions of, and take responsibility for, their blatant and damaging violation.
This case is open.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a global leader in agile project management, an expert on teamwork tradecraft, an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms, a creator, a consultant, a trainer, an award-winning author, and an international public speaker.
See his bio to learn more.
About Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions
Shifting customer needs are common in today's marketplace. Businesses must be adaptive and responsive to change while delivering an exceptional customer experience to be competitive.
There are a variety of frameworks supporting the development of products and services, and most approaches fall into one of two broad categories: traditional or agile. Traditional practices such as waterfall engage sequential development, while agile involves iterative and incremental deliverables. Organizations are increasingly embracing agile to manage projects, and best meet their business needs of rapid response to change, fast delivery speed, and more.
With clear and easy to follow step-by-step instructions, Scott M. Graffius's award-winning Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions helps the reader:
Hailed by Literary Titan as “the book highlights the versatility of Scrum beautifully.”
Winner of 17 first place awards.
Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions is available in paperback and ebook/Kindle in the United States and around the world. Some links by country follow.
About Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
Thriving in today's marketplace frequently depends on making a transformation to become more agile. Those successful in the transition enjoy faster delivery speed and ROI, higher satisfaction, continuous improvement, and additional benefits.
Based on actual events, Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change provides a quick (60-90 minute) read about a successful agile transformation at a multinational entertainment and media company, told from the author's perspective as an agile coach.
The award-winning book by Scott M. Graffius is available in paperback and ebook/Kindle in the United States and around the world. Some links by country follow.
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2023, October 23). Toastmasters Used Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property Word-for-Word in Their Publication Without Authorization or Attribution. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ti-23.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.18914.34240.
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Content Acknowledgements
This article uses limited excerpts from Toastmasters International content, attributed to Toastmasters International and used under fair use for news reporting and analysis.
Toastmasters International name, mark, and content (except for what was stolen from others) are the property of Toastmasters International.
Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.
Introduction
Toastmasters used—without authorization or attribution—Scott M. Graffius’ copyrighted property in their publication. Based on the indisputable facts, Toastmasters’ bad acts involve the ethical issue of plagiarism and the legal issue of copyright infringement.
Graffius maintains, enforces, and protects his copyright and other intellectual property rights. This article serves as a clarion call for Toastmasters to face the repercussions of, and take responsibility for, their blatant and damaging violation.
Background
Informed by the research of Bruce W. Tuckman, Ph.D., and Mary Ann C. Jensen, over 100 subsequent studies, and Scott M. Graffius’ first-hand professional experience with, and analysis of, team leadership and performance, Graffius created his ‘Phases of Team Development.’ It’s a unique perspective on the five phases of team development—Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning—and it’s inclusive of the characteristics/features/traits and strategies for each phase.
Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ intellectual property is registered with the United States Copyright Office.
Graffius initially developed his intellectual property in 2008, and he periodically refreshes it. For reference, an authorized example of his copyrighted property applicable in this case (2021 edition) is here: https://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.22040.42246 . It is shown below as well (as Exhibit 1).
As shown above, Graffius’ copyright ownership details are integrated into and appear on his copyrighted property. Specifically, it reads: “Copyright © 2008-2021 Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved. For permission requests, contact scott@scottgraffius.com.”
Conference organizers, businesses, professional associations, government agencies, and universities around the world engage Graffius to deliver compelling talks and workshops. Examples are here.
Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ intellectual property is central and key to many of those sessions. Details including his rate card, a listing of his engagements, and more are here.
With an authorization/license from Graffius, many organizations around the world have featured and used his copyrighted ‘Phases of Team Development’ work. Select examples include Yale University, Adobe, IEEE, Microsoft, UK Sports Institute, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, American Management Association, and many others.
Copyrights protect the intellectual property rights of creators, ensuring they receive recognition and compensation for their work, thus incentivizing creativity and innovation. Graffius is vigilant in upholding, protecting, and enforcing his copyrights and other IP rights.
Toastmasters Used Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property Word-for-Word in Their Publication Without Authorization or Attribution, Violating Graffius’ Intellectual Property Rights
Toastmasters infringing 2022 publication is marked with:
- “Toastmasters International”
- “Area Director Handbook”
- “2022”
- “Guide to a successful year as Area Director”
- “District 101”
Exhibit 2 is below. It shows pages 2, 19, 20, and 21 from the infringing 2022 publication.
Further details follow.
Again, Graffius’ copyright ownership details and permission request information are integrated into and appear on his intellectual property.
Toastmasters did not request nor receive permission to use Graffius’ copyrighted property.
Nevertheless, Toastmasters used Graffius’ 4 January 2021 copyrighted property in their 2022 publication.
Comparing Graffius' copyrighted 4 January 2021 'Phases of Team Development' intellectual property what Toastmasters has in its 2022 publication is reveals Toastmasters’ blatant infringement.
Exhibit 3 is below. It shows Toastmasters extensive—including word-for-word—use of Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the Forming stage of team development.
Exhibit 4 is below. It shows Toastmasters extensive—including word-for-word—use of Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the Storming stage of team development.
Exhibit 5 is below. It shows Toastmasters extensive—including word-for-word—use of Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the Norming stage of team development.
Exhibit 6 is below. It shows Toastmasters extensive—including word-for-word—use of Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the Performing stage of team development.
Exhibit 7 is below. It shows Toastmasters extensive—including word-for-word—use of Graffius’ copyrighted property on the characteristics and strategies for the Adjourning stage of team development.
Further, Toastmasters did not attribute their use of Graffius’ copyrighted property to Graffius. Accordingly, Toastmasters is wrongly leading others to falsely believe that they (or others) are the author and owner of Graffius’ respective copyrighted property.
Conclusion
Again, Graffius’ copyright ownership details and permission request information are integrated into and appear on his intellectual property.
Toastmasters did not request nor receive permission to use Graffius’ copyrighted property.
Nevertheless, Toastmasters used Graffius’ 4 January 2021 copyrighted property in their 2022 infringing publication.
Toastmasters used a significant volume of Graffius’ copyrighted property.
Toastmasters’ infringement included extensive word-for-word use of Graffius’ copyrighted property.
Toastmasters did not attribute their use of Graffius’ copyrighted property to Graffius. Accordingly, Toastmasters is wrongly leading others to falsely believe that they (or others) are the author and owner of Graffius’ respective copyrighted content.
Toastmasters damaged the marketability and value of Graffius’ copyrighted property.
For the aforementioned reasons, Toastmasters’ use of Graffius’ copyrighted property was not ‘fair use’ nor otherwise allowed.
Additionally, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), 17 U.S. Code § 1202, addresses the integrity of copyright management information. It specifies that that removal of copyright information from another’s intellectual property is a crime. That’s for all cases, including educational/non-commercial use. As shown by comparing Graffius' copyrighted property (Exhibit 1) and with page 19 of Toastmasters infringing publication (shown in Exhibit 2), Toastmasters cropped-out or otherwise removed Graffius’ copyright information. That alone makes Toastmasters' actions not ‘fair use’ and a crime.
Toastmasters’ actions in this matter are a disgraceful breach of professional ethics, moral standards, and Graffius’ intellectual property rights.
So long as the infringing publication exists in any form, Toastmasters knowingly and willfully continues to spread misinformation and violate Graffius’ intellectual property rights.
Toastmasters must immediately implement the following three (3) actions:
- Remove the Infringing Material. Electronic Versions: Immediately remove the infringing material from all digital platforms where it is advertised, promoted, sold, or distributed; this includes removing or disabling any online access to it. Physical Copies: If physical copies of the material are in inventory or circulation, stop further distribution; recall any copies already distributed; destroy (recycle) physical copies.
- Issue a Retraction. Publish a formal retraction notice acknowledging the infringement and the steps taken to rectify the situation. The notice will present the facts as they are—the notice will not "spin" or "downplay" the infringement.
- Notify Relevant Parties. Subscribers and Purchasers and other Recipients: Inform the respective subscribers, purchasers, or recipients of the material about the retraction, ensuring transparency about the issue; again, the notice will present the facts as they are—the notice will not "spin" or "downplay" the infringement. Indexes and Databases: Notify any databases or indexing services that list the material so they can update their records accordingly.
Graffius maintains, enforces, and protects his copyright and other intellectual property rights. He reserves his rights in this damaging, disturbing, and consequential matter.
This article serves as a clarion call for Toastmasters to face the repercussions of, and take responsibility for, their blatant and damaging violation.
This case is open.
About Scott M. Graffius
Scott M. Graffius is a global leader in agile project management, an expert on teamwork tradecraft, an authority on temporal dynamics on social media platforms, a creator, a consultant, a trainer, an award-winning author, and an international public speaker.
See his bio to learn more.
About Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions
Shifting customer needs are common in today's marketplace. Businesses must be adaptive and responsive to change while delivering an exceptional customer experience to be competitive.
There are a variety of frameworks supporting the development of products and services, and most approaches fall into one of two broad categories: traditional or agile. Traditional practices such as waterfall engage sequential development, while agile involves iterative and incremental deliverables. Organizations are increasingly embracing agile to manage projects, and best meet their business needs of rapid response to change, fast delivery speed, and more.
With clear and easy to follow step-by-step instructions, Scott M. Graffius's award-winning Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions helps the reader:
- Implement and use the most popular agile framework―Scrum;
- Deliver products in short cycles with rapid adaptation to change, fast time-to-market, and continuous improvement; and
- Support innovation and drive competitive advantage.
Hailed by Literary Titan as “the book highlights the versatility of Scrum beautifully.”
Winner of 17 first place awards.
Agile Scrum: Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions is available in paperback and ebook/Kindle in the United States and around the world. Some links by country follow.
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About Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change
Thriving in today's marketplace frequently depends on making a transformation to become more agile. Those successful in the transition enjoy faster delivery speed and ROI, higher satisfaction, continuous improvement, and additional benefits.
Based on actual events, Agile Transformation: A Brief Story of How an Entertainment Company Developed New Capabilities and Unlocked Business Agility to Thrive in an Era of Rapid Change provides a quick (60-90 minute) read about a successful agile transformation at a multinational entertainment and media company, told from the author's perspective as an agile coach.
The award-winning book by Scott M. Graffius is available in paperback and ebook/Kindle in the United States and around the world. Some links by country follow.
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇦🇹 Austria
- 🇧🇷 Brazil
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
- 🇩🇰 Denmark
- 🇫🇮 Finland
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇬🇷 Greece
- 🇮🇳 India
- 🇮🇪 Ireland
- 🇯🇵 Japan
- 🇱🇺 Luxembourg
- 🇲🇽 Mexico
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- 🇪🇸 Spain
- 🇸🇪 Sweden
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸 United States
How to Cite This Article
Graffius, Scott M. (2023, October 23). Toastmasters Used Scott M. Graffius' Copyrighted Property Word-for-Word in Their Publication Without Authorization or Attribution. Available at: https://scottgraffius.com/blog/files/ti-23.html. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.18914.34240.
Post-Publication Notes
If there are any supplements or updates to this article after the date of publication, they will appear here.
Content Acknowledgements
This article uses limited excerpts from Toastmasters International content, attributed to Toastmasters International and used under fair use for news reporting and analysis.
Toastmasters International name, mark, and content (except for what was stolen from others) are the property of Toastmasters International.
Graffius’ ‘Phases of Team Development’ is copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Copyright
Copyright © Scott M. Graffius. All rights reserved.
Content on this site—including text, images, videos, and data—may not be used for training or input into any artificial intelligence, machine learning, or automatized learning systems, or published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without the express written permission of Scott M. Graffius.