Copyright Basics: The Fair Use Exception

Nothing on these pages should be construed as legal advice

The fair use exception allows use of copyrighted materials without obtaining permission, based on a four-factor analysis. Each factor is given equal weight, and the type of technology used to perform or display the material is irrelevant to the outcome. The goal is to achieve a balance between the rights of the copyright holder and the rights of the public.

It is important that the four factors be understood and applied diligently. Should someone claim that their copyright has been infringed, the court can reduce the amount of money damages if the alleged infringer can show that they understood the fair use analysis and made a good faith determination that their use was fair.

(Adapted, with permission, from the website of the Purdue University Copyright Office)

• Gmail
• Fac/Staff Email
• Bannerweb
• Blackboard
• HR
• Library
• IS