Using Copyrighted Work: Fair Use & Permissions

Fair use is a defense to a claim of copyright infringement based on the idea that the public is entitled to freely use portions of copyrighted materials for certain purposes, like commentary and criticism. When is fair use applied?

In determining fair use, what makes the use of a copyrighted work "transformative"?

How is fair use determined? A court weighs four factors to make its decision.

Many works of art, music and literature are no longer protected by copyright.

How should you respond if you receive a DMCA takedown notice?

When you use a portion of another musician's song, you sometimes need permission.

Here's how to obtain permission to use samples in your music.

How long does copyright last? That depends on when the work was created and who created it. Here are some guidelines.

Photos of architecture are protected under U.S. copyright law, which gives the photographer has a distinct copyright from the architect.

How can you avoid paying to play music in your shop or retail establishment?

When your photos include a third-party's copyrighted or trademarked work in the image, you may be violating intellectual property rights.

Copyright holders enjoy a series of exclusive rights over their creative works. Among the most potentially expansive of those rights is the ability to control so-called "derivative works."

Educators must be mindful of the boundaries of intellectual property law in order to avoid legal liability. Use these tips for avoiding accusations of copyright infringement as a teacher.

Is it okay to use a portion of an instrumental song found online as background to an animation, or does one need permission from the copyright owners?