Skip to Main Content

Copyright

Obtaining Permission

Permission from copyright holders is often needed when creating course materials, research papers, and web sites. You need to obtain permission when you use a work in a way that infringes on the exclusive rights granted to a copyright holder (i.e. outside the boundaries of fair use).

Steps that need to be followed to obtain permission to use copyrighted material:

  1. Determine if permission is needed for the work you want to use.
  2. Identify the copyright holder or agent. 
  3. Send written request for permission to use. Remember to give yourself ample lead time, as the process for obtaining permissions can take months. Decide if you are willing to pay a licensing fee/royalty.
  4. If the copyright holder can't be located or is unresponsive (or if you are unwilling to pay a license fee), be prepared to use a limited amount that qualifies for fair use, or use alternative material.

For more information, visit the Copyright Clearnce Center's Obtaining Permission page.

Publisher Permission Links

Special Note regarding Survey Instruments

Please be aware that in the majority of cases, you (or you students) need express written permission from the copyright holder to use survey instruments (questionnaires etc.) in your research.  Many individual copyright holders ask only that you obtain permission and acknowledge them in any publications, including dissertations and theses, but some instruments require a fee.

IMPORTANT:  obtaining permission to use an instrument does not give you the right to publish the instrument itself, or provide a link to it.  Doing so is violation of copyright and can lead to legal action.