Do I need copyright permission to print famous quotes in a company manual?

For long dead historical persons, you do not have to obtain permission from anyone to use quotes. You can use as many quotes as you want. Any copyright Shakespeare may have enjoyed for his works and utterances has long expired. On more recent works, it all depends if the remarks were copyrighted and when and if the copyright was renewed. But even so, you may be able to use small portions without breaking copyright law. If the quote is 100 or more years old, it is absolutely safe under copyright law.

While it does vary from country to country, copyrights typically last between 50 to 70 years. In the United States, the current copyright length for anything copyrighted after January 1, 1978 is 70 years after the author’s death. So this means that if an author obtained their copyright in 1990 and does not die until 2007, their copyright does not expire until 2077. At that point, their quotations can be used freely without any permission under copyright law.

Any writings or utterances from authors who have been deceased since 1910 are safe to use. This means that Shakespeare, Poe, Wordsworth, and Blake are all safe to use. You can also use lyrics or music from composers such as Chopin, Bach, and Beethoven without fear of a copyright lawsuit.

Yes. You must find an original quote or original copy to use. Any translations or adaptations by another author will have a renewed copyright. For example, you cannot put Josh Groban’s version of “Oh Holy Night” in your company’s Christmas commercial without his express permission, because his arrangement and performance of the song is copyrighted to him. In addition, you can quote scripture from the King James and New King James versions of the Bible without consequence. However, the New American Standard Translation is copyrighted and cannot be quoted without permission from its publisher.

Case Studies: Copyright and Usage of Famous Quotes in Company Manuals

Case Study 1: Insurance Coverage for Personal Injury Claims

A person is involved in a car accident and sustains injuries. They want to understand if their insurance policy covers personal injury claims.

They review their insurance policy and find that they have comprehensive auto insurance, which includes coverage for personal injury. They contact their insurance provider, file a claim, and receive compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

Case Study 2: Sovereign Immunity and Insurance Coverage

This explores the relationship between sovereign immunity and insurance coverage. A government agency is facing a lawsuit for negligence resulting in property damage. The agency’s insurance policy includes coverage for liability claims, but the agency wonders if sovereign immunity protects them from such lawsuits.

They consult with their insurance lawyer who explains that sovereign immunity may limit the extent of liability, but insurance coverage is still necessary to protect against potential damages beyond what sovereign immunity covers.

Case Study 3: Estate Planning and Life Insurance

A person wants to ensure their family is financially protected in the event of their death. They consult with an estate planning attorney who advises them to consider life insurance as part of their estate plan.

The attorney explains that life insurance can provide a lump sum payment to the beneficiaries upon the policyholder’s death, helping to cover funeral expenses, outstanding debts, and providing financial support for the family’s future.

Case Study 4: Business Insurance for Property Damage

This focuses on the importance of business insurance for property damage. A small business experiences a fire that damages their premises and inventory. The business owner had purchased property insurance, which covers damage to the physical property and contents.

They file a claim with their insurance company, who assesses the damage and provides compensation for repairs, replacement of damaged inventory, and business interruption coverage to help recover lost income during the recovery period.