Copyright and Model Release

When to Use Copyright Release

Always get written permission to use someone else’s photo or design, even when the circumstance does not require a signed copyright release form; e.g., on social media. Get a signed copyright release whenever the photo/video will be:

• Put to commercial use (defined as selling the photo or video such as in a calendar or on a T-shirt)
• Made prominent on our USU website
• Included on print materials we cannot recall back (DVDs, viewbook, marketing brochures)

When to Use Model Release

Get a signed model release whenever:

• The model is under 18
• The image is included in materials we cannot recall back (DVDs, viewbook, marketing brochures)
• The image is attached to personal info about that model; e.g. name, major, year in school or hometown
• The image is included in campaigns of a sensitive nature; e.g. sexual assault, addiction or mental health campaigns. Please also ensure models are informed if their images will be used in a subject-sensitive campaign such, and be as specific as possible.

For those under 18-years-old, use the release forms for minors, and save release forms with your project file so they can be recalled easily if a conflict arises.