When and How to Obtain Permission

When to Obtain Permission

If the Fair Use Checklist does not favor Fair Use.
If the work does not meet the three tests for classroom copying: Brevity, Spontaneity, and Cumulative Effect.

How to Obtain Permission

Obtaining permission requires you to contact the copyright holder. If you know the author and publisher, you can visit the publisher's Web site and view their copyright permissions information. For example, visit the Prentice Hall permission's page. Obtaining permission to use a video or music clip is sought in a similar way. See the Warner Music Group FAQ. Notice the question, "I want to use a song by a Warner Music Group artist in my project. How do I obtain the necessary rights?" For another example see the Vanguard Records website's ABOUT page. Note the Vanguard email for licensing information and requests.  See the "MGM Clip+Still Licensing" webpage for movie clip and licensing information.

You may be required to write a letter, send e-mail or fax. See additional permissions sites and sample letters from College of DuPage.

Obtaining permission to photocopy book chapters, journal articles, and material for library reserves, can also be sought by visiting the Copyright Clearance Center. Just click through the permissions online. In addition to the service charge, you pay a royalty fee set and paid to the copyright holder.

If you do not know the author or publisher, see the University of Texas' permissions Web site web site for more information.

In general, permission should be sought at least two months prior to using the copyrighted material. The spontaneity factor will be met when you have less than one month from the time of use to ask permission. (See Fair Use Section).