For which purpose is it acceptable to use copyrighted material under fair use?

Using copyrighted material under the fair use doctrine is especially relevant in the context of teaching and research. Fair use allows educators and researchers to utilize portions of copyrighted works without seeking permission from the copyright holder, provided that the use meets certain criteria. This includes incorporating material in a way that is transformative, such as for criticism, comment, scholarship, or educational purposes.

For instance, teachers might use a short excerpt from a book to illustrate a lesson, or a researcher might quote a few sentences from a study to analyze or critique it in their own work. These usages align with the educational mission and contribute to the advancement of knowledge, making them justifiable under fair use.

While other scenarios like private entertainment or commercial advertising do not fall under the fair use umbrella, teaching and research are specifically intended to promote learning and the dissemination of knowledge, which is why they are considered acceptable under this provision.