Obtaining Permission to use Copyrighted Work

You can gain permission to use someone else's copyrighted work by:

• obtaining a transfer of one or more of the original rights,
• obtaining a license from the owner to use the work, or
• obtaining simple permission from the owner to use the work.

When you request permission from copyright holders to use their work, make your request as specific as possible:

• who you are;
• what you want to use; and
• where / how you want to use it.

You should also be prepared to give something back, and should thus request their instructions on:

• wording of the credit line;
• any applicable fees, including payment instructions; and
• any other conditions.

While you are at it, you should also ask them to confirm that they actually have the appropriate rights to grant you this permission or, if not, to direct you to the appropriate rights-holder.

Next: When must you seek permission to use another's work?
Back: What is the meaning of "in the public domain"?
Up: Outline of this session.

Copyright © March, 1997, by Carol Scheftic (based on original work at The Geometry Center and used with permission). All rights reserved.
Please send comments on this page, or requests for permission to re-use material from this page, to: scheftic@geom.umn.edu