Picture research and permissions:
If you plan to use any quotes, excerpts, pictures or illustrations, you will
need to obtain permission unless you already own the copyright (see our Copyright
Law page and Michael Legat's Factsheet on Copyright).
The problem can be tracing the rightful owner. Clearing
Copyright will give you clear guidelines on how to set about this if you are
planning to undertake it yourself.
We offer a service which has a double benefit to you:
- First it saves you the time
- Second, by employing a professional researcher you can demonstrate 'due
diligence', which is an effective defence if you are later challenged by a
copyright holder.
Do not set your heart on a particular illustration until you have talked to
the copyright holder. If you are looking for pictures for your book you can
contact picture agencies which provide a comprehensive service.
'Fair Use'
Check that you have not breached the 'fair use' rules when quoting.
The rules are subject to interpretation. You can't insert a poem without
permission but one of your characters could probably recite a poem if it fitted
the plot. It is normally fair to quote a work for the purpose of criticism,
review, or if the extracts relate to news or current events. The work must be
accompanied by full acknowledgment of the title and author.
We will ask you to sign a declaration to the effect that you have understood
your responsibility to check any copyrights you have used (See our Model
Release).
Legal opinion:
You need to check that you are not going to be sued. It is your
responsibility as the publisher.
Check that:
