|
|
Even copyrighted works can be quoted, so long as the quote isn't so long as to be approaching a totality of the work and the original author is appropriately credited. This is typically referred to as "fair use." This doctrine is coming under assault as of late, though.
Does that mean that some silly copyright holder might sue anyway? Sure! [...]
This is the problem with fair use: It is a gamble. If you were confident that the copyright holder would not care or would not bother for fear of bad publicity, then you could go ahead and use the material as the law intended you to do. But we have all been taught that copyright holders are vultures out for a quick and easy meal. This is not always true.
Fair use is near and dear to my heart -- if you're read this blog for any length of time, you've seen me using it. Heck, the above quote is an example of fair use. A decline in what can be used in this fashion would be a bad thing.
Posted by Casper at July 8, 2004 10:23 AM