"Fair use" rules let you be the judge.

Copyright law permits the sharing of small quantities of information with family members and friends, and if applicable, with clients.

Fair use arose in the courts as a compromise between having very strict interpretations of copyright protection and having no restrictions at all. The four standards of fair use, given below, might better prepare you to make decisions about how you use software and images.

• (1) Purpose and Character of Use: If it is for non-profit or educational purposes, it may be fair. If it is for commercial gain, to make a profit, it may be unfair.
• (2) Nature of the Copyrighted Work: Must be original and creative enough to warrant copyright protection.
• (3) Amount and Substantiality of the Portion Used: Must not be too large compared to the copyrighted work as a whole.
• (4) Effect of the Use on the Copyrighted Work: Must not harm the potential market for, or value of, the work.