What Are the Copyright Laws for Quotes and Sayings?

Using quotes and sayings is common in writing, marketing, and social media. But understanding copyright laws around them is essential to avoid unintentional infringement.

This article explores:

• When quotes are copyrighted,
• How much you can quote without violating copyright,
• And best practices for using copyrighted materials.

Are quotes and sayings copyrighted?

Generally, quotes and sayings can be copyrighted if they're sufficiently original and meet minimum length requirements.

(These requirements refer to the idea that, in order for a work to qualify for copyright protection, it must be more than just a few words or a short phrase.)

Copyright is a form of intellectual property that protects creative works, giving the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display their work.

Quotes from books, movies, songs, or speeches are often copyrighted if they reflect creativity and original expression.

However, short phrases and common sayings typically lack the originality needed to qualify for copyright.

For example, well-known idioms or expressions like "break the ice" or "time is money" aren't protected by copyright because they're considered public domain.

Do you need permission to use copyrighted quotes?

If a quote is copyrighted, you generally need permission from the copyright holder to use it, especially for commercial or public-facing purposes.

(unless you're willing to risk copyright infringement!)

The exception lies in the fair use defense, which may apply depending on how the quote is used.

Fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission in cases of:

• Criticism,
• Commentary,
• News reporting,
• Teaching,
• Or research.

But fair use is subjective and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

For example, quoting a line from a book for educational purposes may fall under fair use.

However, using the same line in a commercial advertisement likely requires permission, as it could be seen as an attempt to benefit financially from someone else’s creative work.

How much can you quote without violating copyright?

There’s no exact number of words or percentage of text that determines safe quoting.

Instead, copyright law examines factors like:

• The length of the quote in proportion to the original work,
• The purpose of use,
• And whether the use could harm the original work's value.

A short, incidental quote for review or commentary is more likely to fall under fair use than a lengthy passage that reproduces a significant portion of the work.

For commercial uses, it’s safer to use only as much of the quote as necessary to make your point and to attribute it properly.

Looking to file a copyright? Learn more about filing a copyright in our guide “A Step-By-Step Guide | How to File a Copyright.”

What phrases cannot be copyrighted?

Copyright laws generally don't apply to:

• Short phrases,
• Common sayings,
• Or individual words.

Titles of books, product names, slogans, and very brief expressions are usually not protected by copyright because they lack the required level of originality.

However, these can still be protected under trademark law if they are associated with a brand or service.

For example, while "Just Do It" as a famous slogan can’t be copyrighted, it's trademarked by Nike, protecting its use in commercial contexts related to branding.

Tips for using quotes and sayings legally

To stay within legal limits when using quotes and sayings, consider these tips:

1. Check the source: Determine if the quote is protected by copyright. Many older works, especially those published before 1924, are in the public domain and free to use.
2. Use short excerpts: When quoting copyrighted material, keep it brief and relevant to your purpose. Excessive quoting increases the likelihood of needing permission.
3. Attribute properly: Giving credit to the original author or source of the quote is essential. This doesn’t replace the need for permission but is good practice.
4. Consider fair use: If using a quote for educational or critical purposes, review fair use guidelines. Fair use isn’t guaranteed, so seek legal advice if you’re unsure.
5. Request permission: For quotes from recent works or in commercial applications, seek permission from the copyright holder to avoid potential infringement issues.

Protect what's yours with Copyrightable by Trademarkia

Understanding copyright laws for quotes and sayings is essential for:

• Creators,
• Businesses,
• And anyone using others' words.

Copyrightable by Trademarkia is here to help you navigate these complexities of copyright protection.

Whether you’re protecting your original content or using others' quotes in a way that respects copyright laws, our services offer the guidance you need to avoid infringement and ensure your work remains protected.

From understanding fair use to securing permissions, Copyrightable by Trademarkia helps you manage every aspect of copyright registration and compliance—because protecting your creative work is just as important as creating it.

Protect what's yours with Copyrightable by Trademarkia

Understanding copyright laws for quotes and sayings is essential for creators, businesses, and anyone using others' words. 

Copyrightable by Trademarkia is here to help you navigate these complexities. 

Whether you’re protecting your original content or using others' quotes in a way that respects copyright laws, our services offer the guidance you need to avoid infringement and ensure your work remains protected. 

From understanding fair use to securing permissions, Copyrightable by Trademarkia helps you manage every aspect of copyright compliance—because protecting your creative work is just as important as creating it.