Faculty Support

Legally, AI poses myriad questions and concerns, but one of the thorniest situations is copyright law. Check out the resources below to learn more about AI and its implications for copyright.

If you've determined you need to request permission from the copyright holder to use their work:

1. Identify the Copyright Holder

• Check if there is a copyright notice on the work that identifies the author
• Keep in mind there may be multiple copyright holders
• Has the copyright changed hands? It may no longer belong to the original creator
• The method of identifying owners differs depending on the industry

2. Identify the Rights You Need

• Copyright is a bundle of rights. What specific rights would you like to request permission for? This could include:
  • Reproduce
  • Distribute
  • Modify
• Would you like exclusive or non-exclusive rights?
• What length of time do you need the rights?

3. Be Prepared

• Plan ahead: requesting permission could take time
• Submit your request and obtain the response in writing
• Be prepared for the possibility of licensing fees
• Multiple rounds of negotiation may be necessary 
• Ultimately, the copyright holder could say no

via The University of Texas at San Antonio Library

Resources you can use throughout the process of asking for permission to use a copyrighted work:

Sites to help you find/contact a particular creator or copyright holder:

• American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers
• Universal Uclick (Cartoons, Comics & Editorial Features)
• National Writers Union (Books)
• Music Theatre International (Scripts, musicals)
• Copyright Clearance Center (Print, electronic, non-print)
• Copyright Resource Clearinghouse -- Minnesota State

Use these links to find images that are either public domain, or have some kind of CC license. These images may still have some limitations - check the website or the image properties to be sure.

• Unsplash
• Nappy
• Public Domain Pictures
• SplitShire
• Gratisography
• The British Library
• MorgueFile

Note: You should still try to credit the photographer/organization. In most cases, this information is available near the photo.

NOTICE

WARNING CONCERNING COPYRIGHT RESTRICTIONS

The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be ‘‘used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.’’ If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or re-production for purposes in excess of ‘‘fair use,’’ that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.

"Open Educational Resources (OER) are teaching, learning and research materials in any medium – digital or otherwise – that reside in the public domain or have been released under an open license that permits no-cost access, use, adaptation and redistribution by others with no or limited restrictions." (via Unesco.org)

OER can save money & time, improve access, and help democratize learning. Examples include learning content like lesson plans, textbooks, and assignments, as well as tools for learning like production software, course management systems, and training materials. Learn more about OER and how to find these kinds of resources here.