How to Request Copyright Permission to Use Wikipedia Content

Wikipedia offers users the freedom to use its informational content without the need to request copyright permission. Known as 'copyleft,' this practice allows information to be duplicated in full as long as the resulting work offers the same copyleft rights to the public.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Understand Licensing Rules

1. Wikipedia material is both copyrighted and licensed automatically for public use under the GNU Free Documentation License (GFDL). This is a copyleft license that allows readers to copy and distribute a work under the same GFDL. If you want to re-use material from Wikipedia, your first step should be to read Wikipedia's information on re-user's rights and obligations on Wikipedia's 'Copyrights' page (see the Resources section below).

2. Understand it is not necessary to request permission to copy any material registered under the GFDL. You should, however, read the text of the license on the Wikipedia 'Text of the GNU Free Documentation License' page.

3. Up to 100 copies of Wikipedia articles may be sold commercially without identifying the original source.

4. Wikipedia articles and illustrations are not owned by the Wikimedia Foundation.

Use Wikipedia Content

1. Open Wikipedia's 'Main Page' in your browser window. Click on 'Help,' then 'Policies And Guidelines' and 'Copyrights,' for full disclosure regarding how to request permission to use Wikipedia content.

2. Create a valid derivative version of an article by continuing the license under GFDL, acknowledging the authorship of the article and providing a 'transparent copy' of the material. A direct link to the Wikipedia article may be sufficient in some cases to meet the requirements for continued use of the information.

3. Recognize the necessity of abiding by the GFDL guidelines for any publications, articles, books or Web sites. All material must remain licensed for public use.

4. Understand that 'fair use' for Wikipedia images may not be the same outside the United States. Some countries require a specific license for using copyrighted works.

Prevent Copyright Issues

1. Understand Wikipedia's stand on copyright violations. Go to 'Main Page,' 'Help,' 'Policies And Guidelines,' Copyrights,' and 'Copyright Violations.'

2. Address issues regarding a copyright request by opening the Wikipedia 'Main Page.' Then go to 'Help,' 'Policies And Guidelines,' 'Copyrights,' and 'Copyright Problems.'

3. Explore the benefit of using Wikipedia content. Open the 'Main Page' and follow the links to 'Help,' 'Policies And Guidelines,' 'Copyrights,' and 'Public Domain-Fair Use.'

4. Find additional information by clicking 'Help' on the 'Main Page,' and then click 'Frequently Asked Questions.'

Tips & Warnings

• Know that any content you add to Wikipedia is not subject to royalty rights when used commercially or otherwise. If you do not wish for content that you create to be re-used, protect yourself by not contributing to Wikipedia pages.