Exceptions to Copyright

Exceptions to copyright for public

and private use

Exceptions for public use

Use of graphic work for information needs

The parody, the pastiche, the caricature

Exception for libraries

Brief quote

Exception for disabled people

Temporary reproduction

Brief quote

Analyses and brief quotes

Reproduction of a brief quotation is permitted without copyright authorization if :

• its usage is justified
• if the name of the author and the source are clearly indicated.

These quotations are justified by their scientific, critical, polemical, educational or informative nature.

The parody, the pastiche, the caricature

This is an exception in cases where the intention is to make people smile or laugh at the expense of others, without seeking to harm the author or create a risk of confusion between the works.

Use of a graphic, plastic or architectural work of art

For information purpose

The reproduction and the representation, in whole or in part, of a work by the press for the exclusive purpose of immediate information and in direct relation to that information is an exception.

Exception for libraries, museums and archives

Reproduction and representation for the purposes of conservation or preservation is an exception. For example, make a copy of a book for the readers of a library, if the original one is badly damaged and irreplaceable.

Exception for disabled people

Some institutions open to the public (libraries, archives, documentation centers and multimedia cultural spaces) are authorized to reproduce certain works of art for specific categories of disabled people, if this reproduction is for non-profit purposes, responds to the needs of the disabled person and for strictly personal consultation. For example, transcribing a book into Braille for the visually impaired people.

Temporary, transitory or accessory reproduction

When it is an integral and essential part of a technical process and its sole purpose is to enable the lawful use of a work.

For example, the "caches" of servers and certain technical copies made by computer users to speed up access to Internet sites.

Exceptions for private use

Representation in family circles

Private copy

Private copy

Reproduction is strictly for private use and for the personal needs of the copier, and not for collective use (e.g. within a company). Example of a photocopy of a book chapter

Representation in the family circle

Private performances must be free of charge and performed exclusively within a family circle, which is defined as an audience restricted to relatives or friends. Members of an association, company or community are not considered to form a family circle. Example: watch a movie with a family