Copyright Policy

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is initiating a formal copyright policy on the use of its images, graphics and text that appear in Museum publications, scripts and film footage, and the Museum's Web site, www.cmnh.org. This includes, but is not limited to, published images/materials, Web pages, multimedia productions, CD-ROMs of any type and Web-based images from Museum collections. In addition, fees will be charged for shooting commercial still photography and/or film in Museum galleries.

Museum publications –Explorer, Tracks and Kirtlandia – have been copyrighted for many years, but other Museum images, graphics and text have only been subject to an informal copyright policy on a case-by-case basis.

All institutions/organizations , non-profit or for-profit, who wish to use produced Museum images, graphics or text must request a Reproduction Agreement form from the Museum's Division of Communications and Marketing. (This policy does not apply to the print/broadcast media who are working on features with Museum staff representatives.) The Reproduction Agreement form will be mailed or faxed to an applicant who is requesting to reprint, reproduce or otherwise use any Museum images/materials. This form is also available on our Web site at www.cmnh.org/aboutus_pressroom.aspx. The Museum reserves the rights to approve or deny use of images/materials. If approved, the Reproduction Agreement form will be signed by an authorized Museum representative and returned to the applicant within five working days.

In general, a non-profit institution/organization requesting reprint, reproduction, etc. for educational purposes will be granted permission usage without a fee. A for-profit institution/organization is subject to a fee unless the ruling is overturned by the Director of Communications and Marketing. If a license is necessary, a License Agreement form will be issued by the Office of the Executive Director. Please note that some images/materials may not be available for use.

Fees for copyright usage and licensing will help defray expenses incurred and for staff time.