Multimedia & Copyright

This overview has been written to give some insight into the process of asking permission for the use of materials. It is not a complete overview and should be treated as such. There are so many different kinds of materials, that it is very hard to specify one correct way of asking permission.

Please, treat this overview as an inspiration source for some of the ways you could perhaps ask for permission for the use of (audio)visual material.

Step 1: try to determine who the copyright holder(s) is/are.

How? By doing some research!

For example: if you find a picture that you want to use and it does not have a reuse licence then determine on which website the picture is used and contact the owner of this website.

Step 2: Try to find contact data for the copyright owners

For example: try to find an email address or a post address of the copyright owner. You can find data like this usually at the bottom of a webpage or via the contact option on a website.

If you can’t find either of those options, than use websites that help you determine ownership of a website. Like for example: https://www.whois.net/

Step 3: Contact the copyright-owner and describe to them  the following things:

Who you are (for example a second year student, studying at…).

Why you are interested in using this source (for example describe the assignment for which you want to use the material).

What appeals to you in the source material (explain why is it so relevant for you).

Step 4 Ask the copyright owner for permission, by asking for example the following questions:

1. Can I use the material for educational purposes? Describe where and how you want to use the source.  Explain how it will be used and who will have access to the material (i.e. only your class mates, teacher).
2. Can I include the material in my project? For example can I include a picture in a video I am making?
3. Am I allowed to share my end result with others (including the original source material)?
4. Am I allowed to post the material on for example the school network, online learning environment, youtube, vimeo etc.?
5. Am I allowed to edit the material, i.e. make changes to the material?

Step 5 Wait for permission to be granted!

The copyright owner will decide, based on you request, if he or she will grant you permission for the use of the material.

If permission is granted then you can use the material, but remember to always cite the original copyright owner!

Secondly, save the permission in a save and reliable place. Because you can then always find the permission notice whenever it might be needed.

If permission is not granted then you can not use the material.