Copyright: Getting Permission
When might you need permission?
- If fair use or another exception applies, NO.
- If the work is openly licensed, then NO if you use complies with the license terms.
- If the work is in the public domain, NO.
- If fair use or another exception does not apply, or if the work is not openly licensed, then YES.
- If you are working with a publisher and they require it, YES.
Permission is a legal requirement to avoid copyright infringement liability.
Obtaining Permission
First, you need to identify the copyright holder - which isn't always easy! Once you do, you'll need to write to them and be as specific as possible about:
- Who you are
- The exact material you want to use
- How you intend to use the material
- Whether the material will be published in any form
Guidance on writing permissions requests can be found at Columbia University Links to an external site., University of Michigan Links to an external site., and the Cornell Copyright Information Center Links to an external site..
Creative Commons Licences
Copyright can be tricky to navigate, so Creative Commons Links to an external site. licenses have become common tools that creators use to specify how they want others to be able to use (or not use) their works in clear, understandable language. They also provide tools for users to find openly licensed content Links to an external site.. You can read more about the different types of Creative Commons licenses on the About CC Licences page Links to an external site. of their website.