Important: A copyright disclaimer does not automatically create permission or guarantee fair use. It is only one part of a broader copyright and licensing approach.
Copyright disclaimer examples you can copy
Each example below covers a different situation: claiming fair use for commentary, asserting ownership of your own work, and crediting third-party material in a video. Pick the one that matches what you actually do, then replace the bracketed placeholders.
Fair use wording
This content may include copyrighted material used for purposes such as commentary, criticism, education or research. We believe this use may qualify as fair use under applicable law. If you believe your rights have been affected, please contact [Contact Email].
Generic copyright statement
Copyright © [Year] [Owner Name]. All rights reserved. No part of this website, file, image or publication may be copied, reproduced, distributed or used without prior written permission, except where permitted by applicable law.
YouTube and video wording
Some third-party clips, images, music or references may appear for commentary, review, educational or transformative purposes. All rights remain with their respective owners. Contact [Contact Email] with copyright questions.
More examples by situation
- Blog quoting a published article: “Excerpts from [Publication] are reproduced here for the purpose of criticism and review. The original work remains the property of its author and publisher.”
- Podcast using short music clips: “This episode contains brief musical excerpts used for review and commentary. No ownership is claimed, and full tracks are available from the original artists.”
- Website accepting user uploads: “Users are responsible for the content they submit and confirm they hold the rights to it. Copyright holders may request removal by emailing [Contact Email].”
- Educational slide deck: “Images and charts in this presentation are reproduced for teaching purposes only. Sources are credited on each slide; please contact [Name] if you believe a credit is missing or incorrect.”
How to adapt these examples
Start by listing every piece of material you did not create, then describe your purpose honestly — commentary, criticism, education, news or parody. State that ownership stays with the original creator, give a contact route for rights holders, and place the wording where readers will actually see it: a footer, a dedicated page, a video description or the credits.
Remember that the wording describes your intent; it does not decide the legal question. In the United States, fair use turns on the four factors summarized by the U.S. Copyright Office in its Fair Use Index, and other countries apply narrower “fair dealing” rules. If a use matters commercially, get advice rather than relying on a sentence in a description box.
Copyright notice vs copyright disclaimer
A copyright notice identifies ownership, such as “© 2026 Owner Name.” A copyright disclaimer explains context, limitations or claimed basis for using material, such as fair use commentary. Many websites use both.
Copyright disclaimer FAQ
Does “no copyright infringement intended” work?
That phrase alone is usually weak. More useful wording explains ownership, permission, licensing or the context for use.
Should I use a copyright notice generator too?
Yes, if you need a clean owner/year notice. Use the copyright disclaimer when you also need to explain third-party material or fair use context.