Copying or Displaying Recorded Works: Advice for Faculty

Can I Get Permission to Use It?
How do I get permission to use protected resources?

1. Find out who own it

• Look at the copyright notice, if there is one

• Work made for hire - employer owns copyright if work was prepared by employee in the scope of his or her employment (U.S. Copyright Law 101)

• If, after several attempts, you cannot identify the copyright owner, use the work

• See How to Obtain Permission or Asking For Permission or Obtaining Copyright Permission

2. Find out how to contact them

• Search for permission department of publisher and use its form, if available

• Other sources:

  • Print works - www.copyright.com

  • Images - Artists Rights Society

  • Musical performance - www.bmi.com or www.ascap.com

  • Movies & TV - www.swank.com or www.mplc.com

• If, after several attempts, you cannot locate the copyright owner, use the work

3. Give the following information to copyright owner:

• Who you are

• Specifically what you want to use

• Why you want to use it

• How long it will be used

• Who will have access to it

• How it will be accessed

4. Negotiate price

• Expect to pay some fee

• Sometimes the copyright owner will require no payment

5. Keep written records

• Keep written records of your quest to find the copyright owner

• Keep coy of all correspondence and forms from the copyright owner

Contact Jeff Gates if you need help getting permission