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Copyright

Step by Step Guide to Copyright Compliance
Scroll down to examine the entire guide or use the links below to jump to a particular step or section.

Step 1:  Determine if You Require Authorization
Step 2:  Request Authorization for Use of Copyrighted Material Step 3:  What to do when Requests can not be Processed through the Law Library's Authorization Service

Appendix:  Sample Authorization Request Letters


Step1: Determine If You Require Authorization

You may not need to request authorization.  To determine whether copyright authorization is required, see the appropriate section(s) of the Syracuse University Copyright Policy. Additional Information may be found at the Campus Guide to Copyright Compliance (from the Copyright Clearance Center).

You may also submit a question to the Syracuse University Copyright Advisory Committee (SUCAC).  Use this form to make your inquiry.

Step 2: Request Authorization for Use of Copyrighted Material

  • Lexis documents
  • Westlaw documents
  • Authorization through the Law Library's Copyright Clearance Center service

Lexis documents

You may link directly to Lexis documents in your course Blackboard site or from other course materials through Lexis Link Builder.  When a student clicks on the hyperlink to the resource, he/she will be asked to enter a valid Lexis User Account and Password before launching the resource.  For more information, contact your Library Liaison.

Lexis Copyright Policy (Permitted Uses; Restrictions on Use)

This page contains Lexis' copyright policy, including a statement on copying, downloading and distribution of materials.  Requests for permission to use Lexis products may be made through the Permission Request Form.  Lexis will send you an automatic response if your request complies with their terms and conditions.  If your request falls beyond the scope of Lexis' permissions policy, your request will be forwarded to the Permissions Coordinator for review and processing.

Westlaw documents

Your may link directly to Westlaw documents, databases, headlines, and search queries in your course Blackboard site or from other course materials through Westlaw Integration Solutions.  When a student clicks on the hyperlink to the resource, he/she will be asked to enter a valid Westlaw User Account and Password before launching the resource.  For more information, contact your Library Liaison.

Thomson/West Copyright Statement [PDF]

Westlaw requires permission for electronic redistribution, storage, or other uses.

For reprint permission or uses that are not addressed within the above statement, customers are asked to send a written request outlining the specific material involved, the approximate number of copies to be distributed, and the purpose or format of the use.

Letters may be addressed to:
West - Copyright Services, 610 Opperman Drive, Eagan, MN  55123
Fax: (651) 687-7551
E-mail:  copyright.west@thomson.com

Request authorization through our Copyright Clearance Center Permissions service
The Law Library has registered with the Copyright Clearance Center to provide College of Law faculty with a convenient way to obtain authorization to share information with students and colleagues. Once you have determined that authorization is required, you may submit a request for the Law Library for processing. To determine if copyright is required, see our Step by Step Guide to Copyright Right Compliance: Step 1: Determine If You Require Authorization.

To learn more about our service and to submit an electronic request, please see our Request Authorization through the Law Library's Copyright Clearance Center Permissions Service web page.

Step 3:  What to do When Requests Cannot Be Processed through our Authorization Service
The Copyright Clearance Center is not exhaustive; requests for some printed materials, as well as audio-visual materials and web content, cannot be processed through this service.  If the Law Library has been unsuccessful in obtaining authorization through the Center, you must identify the copyright holder and request authorization directly from the copyright holder or from a collective rights organization.

The Law Library can help College of Law faculty locate sources to identify and contact copyright holders and collective rights organizations.  Here are some starting points:
  
Appendix:  Sample Authorization Letters