Get Permission to Use Copyright-Protected Material

In most cases, securing permission is not as difficult as it first appears. It just requires a little effort. Here’s what you do:

 

1. Identify what you want to use, such as photos, cartoons, quotes, or text.

2. Get clear on how you want to use it, such as in an overhead in your training, music during your presentation, clips in your video, in your handout materials, or as part of an article or book.

3. Identify who you need to speak with to get permission, such as the author, publisher, magazine, cartoonist, movie studio, record company, or clearinghouse.

4. Identify where you must go to get permission. For printed materials look in front of the book or magazine for information on permissions or reprints, or consider the Copyright Clearance Center. For music, contact ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. See additional resources in the Resources section.

5. Send a letter or email requesting permission to use the material. The letter should include the following:  a. detailed description of what you want to use and where you found it (for example, if from a book, include exact title, page number, and any other identifying information) b. how you want to use it or what rights you need c. who you are d. a signature line.

6. Make two copies (one for you and one for them to keep).

 

We’ve included a sample letter in the Appendix of this book and the companion CD for your review. Please feel free to take a look at it.

 

Your Copyright Workshop Part 1. The Four-Factor Test Taking into account a work of art that doesn’t belong to you that you’d like to reproduce, display, distribute, or use in some way, does your use meet the fair use four-factor test: purpose, nature, amount, and market impact?   Work Purpose Nature Amount Market Impact 1.         2.         3.         4.         5.         6.

Part 2. Licenses and Permissions If not, what action can you take to secure a license or permission to use it? If it’s printed matter, contact the publisher for the permissions or rights department. You will need to submit your request in writing and be as detailed and specific as you can regarding how you want to use the copyrighted work.   Part 3. Public Domain If something is in the public domain, make sure it is indeed in the public domain. Invest the time to do the research or don’t use the work. Review the public domain resource websites (see Resources section of this book).