Fair use allows for certain use of copyright-protected works for nonprofit educational purposes. Consider both the license applied to a written work or image, and your intended use. Fair use guidelines are intentionally vague, to allow space for new technologies and permit uses that may develop in the future. When in doubt contact the author and/or the holder of copyright to first seek permission and include attribution.

Authors and developers of books or commercial products that will be marketed, promoted or sold for profit should work with the Office of Commercialization.

There are four factors to consider when evaluating whether the use of a copyright-protected work falls under fair use:

1. Purpose and character of the use, including whether the use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes.

2. Nature of the copyrighted work

3. Amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole

4. Effect of the use upon the potential market for the value of the copyrighted work.