Library and Data Services for MSB Faculty

"Fair Use" is a provision in US copyright law that imposes limits and exceptions to the exclusive rights of authors / creators.

It means that you can use copyright-protected media without asking for permission if the following factors speak in favour of your proposed use:

1.  the way you use it;

2. the nature of what you use;

3. how much of the original material you use;

4. whether your use will impact the market for the work.

(...and here is the letter of the law)

In practical terms, the determination whether a use is "fair" is a subjective one. However, there are some

• TOOLS available to help you in the process;
• RESOURCES on the University website;
• Extensive documentation at Stanford's Copyright and Fair Use site;

Understanding Copyright

If you still have questions, contact Copyright and Digital Rights Management Department.