Fair Use and Public Domain
For some helpful tips about the principles of “fair use” and “public domain” works we encourage you to read our guidelines for use.
As a scholarly publisher, Princeton University Press encourages our authors to vigorously assert fair use for materials when appropriate.
Images
- Two types of permissions can be factors for images. One is copyright permission, which must be sought from a copyright holder. The second factor is permission to use a reproduction of an image, which often must be sought from a stock agency, gallery, or museum. There may be cases where you need permission from the copyright holder as well as from an image resource. Likewise, an image may be in the public domain, but you still need to contact an image resource for permission and a file for reproduction.
- Where a chart, graph, or table is being reproduced in a critical study of the work or to buttress an argument of the writer, no permission is needed. Data is not copyrightable. Unless there is a creative element to data depiction that is being reproduced without alteration, fair use can be asserted, with attribution.
- Film stills are generally considered to fall within the realm of fair use for scholarly publishing.
The selective use of copyrighted images for the purposes of scholarship, review, criticism, evidence, or evaluation is generally recognized as fair use and does not require permission. For more information regarding best practices in the application of fair use, visit College Arts Association (CAA).
Epigraphs
Although usually brief or a small portion of a larger work, epigraphs that consist of quotations from works still under copyright do not always meet the criteria of fair use. An author may use brief quotations or poetry to introduce chapters and sections of a work, provided that there is articulable relevance between the quotation and content of the section in question. However, if the text of the epigraph is simply decorative, permission must be secured. Attribution to the original source is always required.
Music Lyrics
Music lyrics are typically heavily copyrighted. Princeton University Press recommends seeking permission from the appropriate copyright holder to reproduce lyrics.
Cover Art
Princeton University Press authors are not responsible for securing or clearing cover art. This process is managed in-house at the Press.
Publications Written or Cowritten by You
If your Princeton University Press publication includes material (or is derived from material) previously published by you, you must request permission from the original publisher(s) and follow their policies regarding republication. The previously published material must also be appropriately credited.
Interviews
If your scholarly work includes interviews, you should acquire written interview releases that explicitly cover publications. The wording of the release should conform to the ethical guidelines of your field of study and/or professional organization.
Release Form Templates
Interview Release Form
Use this form for interviews you complete as part of the research for your book. This release informs interview subjects that their interviews may be quoted or paraphrased in your book.
Photograph Release Form
Use the language in this sample letter to secure permission for photographs and/or high-resolution files from a living photographer. By signing this, photographers grant nonexclusive world/all language rights to Princeton University Press to reproduce photography within your book, as noted on the license.