Copyright Decision Tree: Can I reuse this material?

Answer yes or no to the following questions in order to make your way through the decision tree:

  1. Is the material in the public domain, e.g., expired copyright or work of the U.S. government? Use this link to find out more information about the public domain.

    • If the answer is YES, no permission is needed
    • If the answer is NO…

  2. Do you own the copyright, or have you retained the rights to reprint the material? Use this link to read more about strategies to retain the rights you need to use your own published work.

    • If the answer is YES, no permission is needed
    • If the answer is NO…

  3. Does Tufts Libraries license the database? Use this link to check the Tufts Catalog.

  4. Does fair use apply? Use this link for more information about fair use.