The fair use doctrine in copyright excuses otherwise infringing copies, public performances, displays, or distributions of all or part of a copyrighted work under certain circumstances. Traditional examples of fair use include criticism, commentary, parody, news reporting, and other partial appropriations of prior works in the creation of a new work. Most often, the new work adds independent expression without causing a negative impact on the economic prospects of the underlying work.
For more information, see the Copyright Office page on Fair Use.
