Permission Slips

As a practical note, assume all works are copyrighted. After careful investigation, if you cannot determine whether a work is copyrighted, secure permission to use that work.

General Rule - There are many misconceptions that exist when determining whether a work has been copyrighted. The general rule is that all original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium of expression are given automatic copyright. A work need not be registered with the Copyright office for it to receive copyright protection and not all works must display a copyright notice in order to receive copyright protection.

Exceptions to the rule - Some works, by law, are not copyrightable:

1. Names, titles, slogans
2. Works that employ less than “minimal creativity” (i.e. lists of facts and discoveries).
3. Works that have not been fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Ideas and thoughts that have not been recorded in any way are not copyrightable.
4. Duration - All copyrights have a limited duration. Once a copyright expires, the work falls into the public.

Tips for getting permission to use content:

• Some websites have guidelines for using images and or request forms to use images. Make sure to search for these prior to sending an email.
• Search the external website and try to find a contact address. Most websites give an e-mail address of the webmaster; if the author of the text or the photographer of an image is known, try to contact the author or photographer directly.

• If trying to seek permission from an organization, look for the pr and or marketing contacts. These guys live for getting their organizations' names out in the public. Plus they usually have all their media handy etc.
• If seeking images from someone, be sure to ask for a high res image. This will be easier to use in the long run.
• Send them an e-mail explaining the situation and asking for their permission. Be sure to include a subject in the subject line.

Example Permission

Dear Mr./Ms./Dr. /Organization Name(insert last name):

I am a student at (school) located in (place). I am a member of a Team competing in Thinkquest, an international educational web design competition.

I respectfully request your permission to use your excellent (drawing/image/art/photograph/whatever), (attached, or at your website, (add link here)), as part of our website on (topic). Our site main goal is to educate teens on(topic) . I feel that your (thing) would add (blank) to our site.

If you grant permission for use, we will credit you for your work, (and) state that it is used with your permission ((if applicable), and provide a link back to your website).

I sincerely appreciate your consideration of this matter. Please advise your decision of this request (by mail, email, telephone, etc.)

Thank you, and I hope you will consider accepting this request.

Sincerely,

(real name)

(email)

(school url)

(thinkquest url)