Can I Use This?

Copyright Decision Path

This tutorial takes you through the Copyright Decision Path, a series of 7 questions that will help you develop a more informed answer to, "Can I use this?" for a work you would like to use. Proceed through the 7 questions, determining whether the answer is YES or NO for your intended use. The material presented with each question will assist you in making your determination. You can remember the 7 questions in the decision path with the acronym COPY USE.


  1. Copy? Did you make a copy of the material?
  2. Obtained legally? Was the material obtained legally?
  3. Protected by copyright? Is the work protected by copyright?
  4. You have authorization? Do you already have authorization from the copyright holder to use the material?
  5. Use covered by exemption? Does the use of the material fall under an exemption for higher education?
  6. Safe under Fair Use? Do you have a strong case that your use of the material falls under Fair Use?
  7. Express permission obtainable? Are you able to obtain express permission from the copyright holder?