How to Obtain Copyright Permissions

If you want to reproduce materials that are copyright-protected, you should have written permission. You can ask permission from the publisher to use the material entirely or in parts. If reproducing the material is considered fair use, you do not need permission.

Things You'll Need

• Permission request letter

Instructions

1. Determine whether using the material is considered fair use or if you need written permission to reproduce it. Fair use allows limited reproduction. For instance, if you are a teacher reproducing the information for a lesson, it would probably be considered fair use. If you will profit from reproducing the material, it probably would not be considered fair use.
   A checklist can help you determine what is fair use material and what is not (See Reference).

2. Find the publisher of the material if you have determined that it does not fall under the fair use act.

3. Ask for permission to use the materials. You may use the sample permission request letter (See Reference). Send your request to the publisher with a self-addressed envelope so the publisher can send you an answer granting or denying permission.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are unsure if the information is fair use, ask permission to use.

References

• Obtaining Copyright Permission
• Fair Use
• Sample Permission Request