A transfer of copyright ownership, other than by operation of law, is not valid unless an instrument of conveyance, or a note or memorandum of the transfer, is in writing and signed by the owner of the rights conveyed or such owner's duly authorized agent.
(US Code, Title 17: Section 204)

COPYRIGHT CLEARANCE CENTER | AUTHORS & PUBLISHERS | IMAGES | MOVIES | MUSIC | PLAYS |   SAMPLE LETTERS

Permission to use copyrighted materials must be obtained if the criteria for fair use cannot be met. Permission must be obtained from the copyright holder.  The following resources should help in finding who owns the copyright and in contacting the correct copyright holder.  If there is a doubt as to who holds the copyright,  obtain a statement from the holder warranting that he is acting in good faith as the copyright holder.

The Copyright Office offers Circular 22: How to Investigate the Copyright Status of a Work to assist copyright research.

The Copyright Clearance Center provides an extensive database and quick turnaround time for copyright permissions. The Academic Permissions Service provides permission for photocopying materials for use in courses, etc.; the Electronic Course Content Service provides permission to access materials electronically.

AUTHORS & PUBLISHERS

The author or the publisher will most often be the copyright owner of print materials.

Association of American Publishers provides suggestions on "How to Request Copyright Permission from Publishers."

CLA (Copyright Licensing Agency) provides licensing information for use of materials copyrighted in the UK.

International Literary Market Place (REF PN161.I58) provides information on international publishers.

Literary Market Place (REF PN161.L5)   is the directory of the American book publishing industry, providing information on publishers, etc.

National Writers Union is the union for freelance writers.

National Faculty Directory (REF L901.N34) will provide addresses for many faculty writing in scholarly journals.

Publication Rights Clearinghouse represents the National Writers Union to collect royalties for freelance writers.

Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory (REF DESK Z6941.U5) and the Serials Directory (REF DESK Z6941.S464) provide publisher information for journals.

Publication Rights Clearinghouse.

WATCH is a database compiled by the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center at the University of Texas and The University of Reading Library, Reading, England that provides names and addresses of copyright holders, authors, and artists whose archives are housed in North America or the United Kingdom.   This resource also provides some very good help guides on Locating US Copyright Holders and Locating UK Copyright Holders.

IMAGES

Corbis provides some free pictures.  A very good selection of digital images can be purchased.

MOVIES and VIDEO

Motion Picture Licensing Corporation is an independent agency authorized by major studios and independent producers to grant copyright licenses.  They offer an "Umbrella" license for non-profit institutions.

Time Warner  owns HBO, CNN, Warner Brothers, Warner Music, Turner Broadcasting, and Time.

SONY owns SONY pictures and CBS.

Time Warner  owns HBO, CNN, Warner Brothers, Warner Music, Turner Broadcasting, and Time.

MUSIC

Using music often involves obtaining several permissions: for the lyrics, the score, and the performer.  ASCAP, Harry Fox Agency, or  BMI can often provide the appropriate licensing.

ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) is the primary source for licensing of music.  Go to the section on licensing for information on licensing radio, television, and Internet materials as well as general licensing.

BMG owns Arista Records, RCA, and BMG Music Publishing..

DiMA (Digital Media Association) represents webcasters, technology companies, and online music and video retailers.

EMG Music Clearance represents numerous songwriters and will negotiate licensing.

EMI holds the rights for EMI Music Publishing and EMI Recorded Music.  Searchable database of their music labels.

Harry Fox Agency is a clearinghouse to license musical works. You can search the songfile of the National Music Publishers' Assocation.

Parker Music Group: Music Clearance will obtain clearances for songs or master recordings.

Recording Industry Association of America  has a good discussion of Web Licensing.

Sesac represents songwriters and publishers.  

Signature Sound is another clearinghouse that will obtain music licenses.

SONY owns Columbia Records.

Time Warner  owns HBO, CNN, Warner Brothers, Warner Music, Turner Broadcasting, and Time.

PLAYS

Baker's Plays has a searchable catalog and an online service for obtaining plays.

Dramatists Play Service publishes and licenses works by the American Theatre.

Samuel French offers a wide variety of plays.

SAMPLE LETTERS

When requesting copyright permission,  always get the permission in writing and be specific in your request. Address your letter to the copyright holder or the permissions department, as appropriate.   Include the following information in your letter:  author or editor's full name; title of article; full title of work; publication date; if a journal, volume and issue number; if book, exact chapter(s) and/or page numbers; your name; course name and number; Regent University; how the work will be used; method of duplication; and when and for how long material will be used.  Be specific in your request and make sure to give information (name, phone number, fax, email) where you can be contacted should questions arise.

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COPYRIGHT BASICS | FAIR USE | COPYRIGHT POLICIES | OBTAINING PERMISSIONS INFRINGEMENT | ONLINE SERVICE PROVIDER |  RESOURCES

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This page created by Regent University Library; updated 2002
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