How to Get Copyright Permissions
Copyright protects the original content of artists and authors. Violating a copyright can result in an expensive lawsuit and a court order to cease and desist using the copyrighted material. Though it might cost some money to buy the limited use of a copyrighted work, it is well worth avoiding the risk of infringement.
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Instructions
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Determine permission requirements. Copyright law allows for fair use of copyrighted material without permission. Two widely accepted areas of fair use are comment (criticism and educational purposes) and parody. Small portions of a long work can be excerpted for these uses. Any use that is similar to the intended use of the author, or is beyond the excerpts permitted under fair use can only be used with the permission of the copyright holder.
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Identify the copyright holder. In some cases, the copyright holder will be the author, artists, musician, poet, or whoever created the work. But for many published works, the publisher holds the copyright. If copyright is not clearly marked on the work, the U.S. Copyright office maintains an online search function that allows users to browse through registered copyrights.
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Make preliminary contact. The process for getting permissions will vary depending on the copyright holder. For example, a self employed photographer will probably have a less formal process than a major publishing firm. The first contact can be relatively informal by phone call, letter or email. Explain the type of use you seek and ask how to obtain written permission.
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Send written request. After the initial contact, there might be some negotiation over the terms. The request might not be granted at all, or there might be a cost involved. Professional publishers will most likely send a form that must be filled out and submitted. Final permission should come in a written form to protect your right to use the copyrighted property.
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Tips & Warnings
A copyright does not have to be registered, so a search of registered copyrights should not be considered conclusive.
