"Fair use" rules let you be the judge.
Copyright law permits the sharing of small quantities of information with family
members and friends, and if applicable, with clients.
Fair use arose in the courts as a compromise between having very strict
interpretations of copyright protection and having no restrictions at all. The
four standards of fair use, given below, might better prepare you to make
decisions about how you use software and images.
- (1) Purpose and Character of Use: If it is for non-profit or
educational purposes, it may be fair. If it is for commercial gain, to make a
profit, it may be unfair.
- (2) Nature of the Copyrighted Work: Must
be original and creative enough to warrant copyright protection.
- (3) Amount and Substantiality of the Portion Used: Must not be too large
compared to the copyrighted work as a whole.
- (4) Effect of the Use
on the Copyrighted Work: Must not harm the potential market for, or value of,
the work.