chat loading...
Skip to Main Content

Copyright for Faculty: Request Permission to Use

Obtaining Permission to Use

When use of copyrighted materials falls outside of the "fair use," permission to use copyrighted materials must be obtained from the copyright owner or representative.  Obtaining such permission may be possible if sufficient lead time is allowed, although a fee may be involved. 

Permission to use copyright-protected materials, when required, should be obtained prior to using those materials.  It is best to obtain permission in writing (including e-mail) and retain a copy of each permission form or letter and the response to your request.

The time to obtain permission may vary and, where possible, it is recommended to start the permissions process as soon as possible.  A six-month lead time is NOT too early. 

The copyright holder or its agent will require the following information in order to provide you with permission:

  • Title of the material
  • Creator/author of the material
  • Publisher of the material
  • Description of material
  • ISBN or ISSN, if applicable
  • Date of publication, if applicable
  • Purpose for which you wish to reproduce the item (research, commercial, educational, etc.)
  • How the material is to be reproduced (e.g., photocopied, digitized, LMS, PowerPoint display)
  • Where the reproduced material will be used or will appear and for how long

Sample Email

To Whom It May Concern:

 

I am requesting permission to copy the following for use in my _____name of _____class*.

Title:

Copyright

Author:

Material to be copied:

Pages:

Number of copies (if physical) or method of distribution (powerpoint, website, etc.)

 

Sincerely, 

 

Name
Title
Phone Number
E-mail

 

 

*or purpose for which the work will be used.  Be as detailed as possible.

Sample Physical Letter

Sample letter

Date

Copyright Permission Department
Name of publisher
Street Address
City, State Zip Code

To Whom It May Concern:

I am requesting permission to copy the following for use in my ___name of______ class*.

                Title:

                Copyright:

                Author:

                Material to be copied:

                Pages:

                Number of copies:

I have enclosed a stamped, self addressed envelope for your convenience in responding to my request.

Sincerely,


Name
Title
Phone Number
E-mail
Fax number

To Be Completed by the copyright owner/agent:

____ I represent that I have the authority to grant the permission requested. I hereby give permission for the use requested above.

 

________________________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature                         Name (please print)                     Title                    Date

*or purpose for which the work will be used.  Be as detailed as possible.