441 words
Perhaps you've heard discussions about getting permission to use copyrighted materials--articles, cartoons, chapters from books. You'd like to do the ethical thing, but aren't sure of the procedure. The process is simple once you understand the ins and outs.
Generally, before any publication grants you reproduction permission they will
ask three things:
1) which quote, pages, chapter, cartoon, article, etc., you'd like to reproduce,
2) date published and from which publication,
3) how the piece will be used, and 4) if for a workbook or newsletter, the distribution
quantity.
Reproduction permission is required for all works where there is a copyright
holder, including reproduction for inÐhouse materials, newsletters, and
overheads. There are few specific exceptions for nonprofit organizations, like
schools.
Books
Obtaining a book permission is the easiest process to follow, mainly because you have all the information you need inside the book. Merely write to the "permissions department" at the publisher's address. The department may or may not grant you permission, and if they do, there may be a fee involved.
Magazines
To get permission to reprint an article from am magazine or journal, write the permissions department and give the same information as stated above. If the magazine holds the copyright they can decide whether to grant reproduction permission. If not, they will refer you to the author and provide the address, the simply write the author with the same request.
Cartoons
Cartoons are a bit harder to research. You'll need to contact the cartoon syndicate listed on the side of the cartoon. You can get this address by:
1) Emailing the artist. Many strips now include the artist's email address.
Put "permission" on the subject line. The artist will either answer
you him/herself, or, more likely, forward your message to the Permissions Dept.
2) Calling your public library's reference librarian. She or he will know how
to quickly get you the address, as there is a reference book with this information
in it.
3) Calling the cartoon editor of the newspaperor magazine in which the cartoon
is printed.
4) Looking for the syndicate on the Web.
The syndicate may grant you free permission, but may ask anywhere from $10 to $200 for unlimited yearly use of the cartoon. This is true not only for workbook reproduction, but for overheads as well. For this fee they will often provide cameraÐready artwork.
Some companies are now discovering undercover FBI agents who are employed in lower level positions in order to detect copyright infringements in software, training films, and publications. The permissions process may take time, but isn't the avoidance of a copyright infringement suit worth it?
Copyright 1987, Morgan Seminar Group
Rebecca L. Morgan, CSP, is a dynamic speaker and seminarist. She is the author of four books, "TurboTime: Maximizing Your Results Through Technology," "Calming Upset Customers," "Life's Lessons: Insights and Information for a Richer Life," and "Professional Selling." For information on her speaking services, books, and tapes contact her at 1440 Newport Ave., San Jose, CA 95125, 408/998-7977, 800/247-9662, fax: 408/998-1742, rebecca@RebeccaMorgan.com, www.RebeccaMorgan.com. Please contact Rebecca for permission to reprint or repost this item.
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