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Copyright on Quotes

I started writing some quotes that I use sometimes as my status messages. my_status_messages . Then I got a hint that even using quotes can infringe copyright laws. Here are some links :

There are circumstances under the fair use doctrine where a quote or a sample may be used without permission. However, in cases of doubt, the Copyright Office recommends that permission be obtained.

Although a quote may appear to be a small part of the entire work, if the particular quote has assumed great importance, this may be a ‘substantial part’.

Really, “FAIR USE” is bullshit. I have to think twice before using quotes. wtf! I have removed some quotes from my wiki page. Hope the existing ones are not infringing any copyright.

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  1. August 23rd, 2007 at 10:24 | #1

    Yes, fair use is…but it’s not like you can avoid using it.

    When you take a picture of yourself, you are wearing clothes that someone else designed and you have a hair cut that someone else styled.

    You’re right that Fair Use is a loose and lame protection against a well-paid lawyer, but advocating not taking advantage of what fair use priveledges we do have may not be the best course of action.

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