What principle does fair use embrace regarding copyrighted materials?

The principle of fair use allows for limited use of copyrighted materials without the permission of the copyright holder, particularly under specific circumstances. This includes the use of brief excerpts that are justified by purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research. The key factors that determine whether a use qualifies as fair use include the purpose and character of the use (commercial vs. nonprofit educational purposes), the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount used in relation to the whole work, and the effect of the use on the market for the original work.

By stating that brief excerpts can be used under certain circumstances, this answer accurately reflects the flexibility and nuances of the fair use doctrine, emphasizing that it is not a blanket allowance but rather subject to specific conditions that must be met. Understanding these aspects can help ensure that individuals engage with copyrighted materials ethically and legally.