Legal Tool

Fair Use Analyzer

Assess the four pillars of Fair Use before reproducing copyrighted text, images, or video in your reporting.

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1. Purpose and Character of Use

Highly Transformative (Criticism, Commentary, News Reporting) You are fundamentally altering the original work with new meaning or context. Derivative / Commercial You are simply republishing the work as a substitute for the original.

2. Nature of the Copyrighted Work

Factual / Published The work is factual in nature and has already been published. Highly Creative / Unpublished A fiction book, an unreleased movie script, private creative correspondence.

3. Amount and Substantiality

Small or Insignificant Portion A few sentences from a book, a 5-second clip of a 2-hour movie. Large Portion or "Heart of the Work" Reproducing the most crucial, memorable part of the work, even if short.

4. Effect on Market Value

No Meaningful Market Effect Your publication will not act as a substitute that harms the original creator's sales. Replaces the Market People will read/watch your piece *instead* of buying the original.

Fair Use Analyzer

1. Purpose and Character of Use

2. Nature of the Copyrighted Work

3. Amount and Substantiality

4. Effect on Market Value

Essential Resources

Investigative

Ethics & Law

Craft & Career