Fair Use
the policy behind the breakthroughs
fair use:
A foundational copyright principle that preserves access to information for transformative uses. Fair use has fueled America’s competitive edge for nearly two centuries by allowing innovators to build on existing knowledge to create something new.
This time-tested doctrine is powering AI’s access to the data that accelerates scientific and medical breakthroughs, drives innovations that support economic growth, strengthens U.S. leadership, and unlocks discoveries that improve lives.
The fundamentals of fair use
How fair use helps fuel American innovation
Fair use allows the use of copyrighted material without permission or payment when it serves a new, transformational purpose — not as a substitute for the original work — enabling the development of new technologies that serve the public good.
Accelerates breakthroughs
Fair use enables AI to learn from diverse information and generate new insights — accelerating breakthroughs in fields like medical research, drug development, farming technology, and energy production.
Drives U.S. economic growth & innovation
Copyright law encourages the innovations that fuel economic growth and keep America ahead in the tech race. Today, fair use is enabling AI to boost productivity, spark new industries, and create opportunities across the entire economy.
Helps the U.S. win the global AI race
Countries like China benefit from fewer constraints, moving rapidly to advance their AI industry. Fair use is essential to safeguarding U.S. national security through our technology sector’s competitiveness and shaping global AI standards rooted in American values.
Creates a level playing field
By allowing smaller firms and startups to access the data they need to innovate freely, fair use strengthens the tech ecosystem, and ensures that progress is shaped by many voices — not just a few dominant players.
Why fair use matters
Fair use is a core tenet of U.S. copyright law and is essential to how we build on existing ideas to create something entirely new. The doctrine draws a clear line between protected creative expression and the facts that fuel learning, support research, and foster discovery.