American Heart Association Clarifies Copyright Policies for Scientific Materials
The American Heart Association (AHA) has detailed guidelines regarding the use of its copyrighted materials, including scientific statements and guidelines, emphasizing the need for prior written permission for most reproductions. These policies, updated as of , aim to protect the AHA’s intellectual property while allowing for educational and non-commercial use under specific conditions.
According to the AHA’s Copyright Permission Guidelines, all information on its website – encompassing text, graphics, logos, and images – is copyrighted and proprietary. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited for anyone other than the AHA, its affiliates, and units without express written consent from the AHA Legal Department.
Requesting Permission
Individuals or organizations seeking to utilize AHA-copyrighted material must submit a written request. The AHA outlines a specific set of information required for processing, including the requestor’s name, company/institution affiliation, address, telephone number, email address, and title. Crucially, the request must identify the specific material by copyright date, page number (for printed materials), or website URL. A detailed explanation of how the material will be used and distributed, including the output format and whether the materials will be sold, is also mandatory. Incomplete requests will be returned.
The AHA notes that processing requests typically takes approximately 10 business days from receipt of all required information. Additional time may be needed for requests involving translation of materials or reprints of recipes.
Permitted Use Guidelines
The AHA may grant permission to copy materials if certain criteria are met. Generally, the requested material cannot exceed 10 percent of text or video footage, or 25 percent of charts and illustrations. This limitation does not apply to Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) materials, consumer publications, or cookbooks. Reproduction must be for educational purposes and cannot be used for commercial activities or to promote a commercial product.
A key requirement for any permitted reproduction is the inclusion of the AHA copyright statement. This ensures proper attribution and acknowledges the AHA’s ownership of the intellectual property.
Specific Restrictions for AHA Journals and Scientific Statements
The AHA’s policies are particularly stringent regarding its scientific statements and guidelines. Permission to reprint, modify, alter, enhance, copy, or distribute this content must be obtained directly from the American Heart Association, as stated by the Author Hub for AHA/ASA Journals. This underscores the importance of seeking authorization for any use of these authoritative documents.
Contacting the AHA for Permissions
Requests to copy or translate AHA copyrighted material can be submitted via several methods, according to the AHA Legal Position. These include fax (214-373-9818), US mail (Copyright Permissions Specialist, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231-4596), or email ([email protected]). Regardless of the method, requests must include detailed information about the material being requested, its source (publication title, video, or website URL), page numbers, and copyright dates, as well as a clear explanation of the intended use and distribution.
The AHA also assesses a $25 processing fee for all granted requests, with additional charges potentially applied for reprints of algorithms or tables from Emergency Cardiovascular Care 2000 products. These fees contribute to the administration and oversight of the copyright process.
Protecting Intellectual Property
The American Heart Association emphasizes its commitment to protecting its intellectual property rights and ensuring that its works do not infringe on the rights of others. The AHA encourages reporting of any copyright violations through its DMCA Notification Guidelines, demonstrating a proactive approach to maintaining its legal position and upholding copyright standards.
Further information regarding copyright policies and guidelines can be found on the AHA website, including specific guidelines for use of materials in electronic format, emergency cardiac care guidelines, and requests to translate AHA materials.
