Copyright Guide: How to Request Permission

Requesting Permission from a Copyright Owner

Identifying the Copyright Owner

It's important to remember that the copyright owner is not always the original author/creator. 

To identify the copyright owner of a work, check one or more of the following: 

• The work's copyright notice
• Copyright records from the U.S. Copyright Office
• Copyright Clearance Center
• The WATCH (Writers, Artists, and their Copyright Holders) database

In some cases, you may need to contact a licensing agency.  A list of collective licensing agencies can be found at the Copyright Advisory Office of Columbia University.

What to Include in a Request

When you request permission, you want to get written permission (i.e. email or letter).

In your request, you should include the following:

• The specific rights you would like (i.e. to do what with the content)
• The set amount of time you would like the rights for
• Whether you want exclusive or non-exclusive rights (typically non-exclusive)
• Identify the geographic area where you will use the work
• Ask what conditions you need to meet for the use (be prepared that the owner might ask you to pay)

Sample Permission Letters

• Model Permission Letters (Copyright Advisory Office, Columbia University)
• Sample Permission Letters (University of California Copyright)
• Sample Written Request for Permission (Copyright Crash Course, University of Texas at Austin)

Remember:  Getting permission can take a while!  Although it doesn't always take this long, be aware that the process can take a few months.