Getting permission

When you seek permission to use copyrighted material, you may be asked to specify whether you are using the material commercially or non-commercially. This may also be a condition of any licence.

Commercial use generates income

Commercial re-use is defined as anything that generates income, whether directly or indirectly. This includes material that is sold, supported by advertising, or used to promote a business.

It includes the following commercial or promotional material:

• publications
• events
• news reporting
• films, DVDs, CDs, downloads or other encodings
• broadcasts, whether online or not
• advertising, marketing and promotional material.

Non-commercial use generates limited or no income

Non-commercial use is primarily not intended for or directed toward commercial advantage or income generation. It also includes paid-for or promotional materials with a limited print or production run.

This includes:

• use for education or research
• use in publications with a total print or production run of 500 copies or fewer over five years. This includes publications that are sold, supported by advertising, or used to promote a business.
• use in events with a projected attendance or capacity of 500 people or fewer in one year
• use in news reporting with a total print or production run of 200 copies or fewer per issue.