A Writer’s Guide to Permissions and Fair Use

[Quantum]

It's a minefield out there when it comes to copyright law.

Because songs and poems are so short, it’s dangerous to use even 1 line without asking for permission, even if you think the use could be considered fair.

(https://janefriedman.com/permissions-...)

12 COPYRIGHT PERMISSION MYTHS
If I give credit I don't need permission.

Not true. Giving credit means you can look at yourself in the mirror and say you are not a plagiarist. However, attribution is not a defense to copyright infringement, which, unlike plagiarism, is a legal offense. Copyright infringement is the violation of one of the exclusive rights granted to copyright owners. By contrast, you can plagiarize material not protected by copyright simply by taking credit for it.

(http://www.copylaw.org/2013/12/12-cop...)

[Nik]

Helpful insight to take a note of, thanks

[Ian]

You should usually be able to copy a small section as an attributed quote in a review, thus Einstein wrote " . . ." This is particularly used when you wish to argue for or against whatever was written, since you are making the reader clear on what you are arguing for or against. That will go down as fair use in most cases.

As for length, there was a case in NZ some time ago where an author lifted a paragraph of someone else's work and put tin his novel, and that went badly against him in a court.

[Eldon]

Great stuff Alex!! Just what I was looking for today actually :)