Wikipedia:Non-free content
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![]() | This idea was rejected by the community. There was no general agreement among users and it seems unlikely for there to ever be one. |
![]() | This page in a nutshell: Non-free or copyrighted content can only be used in specific cases and only in as few cases as possible.
Non-free images may be used in articles only if:
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A well-written use rationale must show how the use of this image meets the Non-free content criteria and should state:
- What part of the copyrighted work is used and to what degree does it compete with the copyright holder's usage? For example, if the image is a photograph or logo, the entire work is likely being used. A screenshot that shows the most important discovery of a documentary or the ending of a movie, for example, though a very small portion of the work, may disproportionately compete with the copyright holder's use. In the case of a music sample, the length should be no longer than 10 percent of the song's original length or 30 seconds, whichever is shorter.
- If it applies, has the resolution been reduced from the original? In the case of music samples, has the quality been reduced from the original?
- What purpose does the image serve in the article? If applicable:
- Is the image a logo, photograph, or box art for the main subject of the article?
- Is the image being used as the primary means of visual identification of the subject or topic? (e.g., a corporate logo or the box art of a DVD)
- Does it illustrate (show) the topic of the article? (e.g., a screen shot from a movie)
- Is it used for comments on a particular topic? How?
- To what degree is the image replaceable by a free content image?
- If the image is a screenshot of a movie that is used for an article about the movie, or a corporate logo, there is obviously no such thing as a "free" version of it - all of the resources in the world could not produce one. If, on the other hand, the image is a photograph, the image is more easily replaced, even if Wikipedians may lack the resources to create a replacement.
- Any other information necessary to assist others in deciding whether the use of this image qualifies for fair use.