NRAO Image Use Policy

Users of NRAO telescopes have an inherent obligation to make images derived from NRAO data available for educational, public information, and research purposes via the NRAO in a timely manner. Images, electronic or otherwise (including captions), created, authored and/or prepared by the NRAO/AUI and the NRAO staff are copyrighted in content, presentation, and intellectual or creative origin. All such materials are considered intellectual property and are intended for use for educational, public information, and research purposes. Use of NRAO/AUI names and/or logos in publicity, promotion, or advertising is prohibited without prior written consent of NRAO/AUI. Commercial use will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Use of NRAO/AUI images constitutes acceptance of the guidelines listed:

I. NRAO/AUI IMAGES USE

The NRAO encourages the use of its images, electronically or in other formats, for educational and public information purposes. The use of such images must not imply endorsement by NRAO/AUI/NSF of organizations, products, or services using the images.

1. Usage Categories

Three general categories are defined for the use of NRAO images: Educational/ Public Information, Personal (Not for Profit), and Commercial.

Educational / Research Use: NRAO allows reproduction, authorship of derivative works, and other transformations of the original work strictly for educational, public information, and research purposes without further permission, subject to the General Conditions section listed below. If a recognizable person appears in an image, use may infringe a right of privacy or publicity, and permission shall be separately obtained from the recognizable person. For other non-commercial uses, permission shall be obtained from NRAO/AUI.
Personal, Not-for-Profit Use: NRAO allows reproduction, authorship of derivative works, and other transformations of the original work strictly for personal, non-profit / non-commercial / non-retail use without further permission, subject to the General Conditions section listed below. Some examples of personal, non-profit/non-commercial/non-retail uses are downloading images for personal posters, screensavers, or as gifts for friends and relatives.
Commercial Use: Written permission must be obtained from the copyright owner prior to commercial use (See credits in the Image Gallery. If someone is listed in addition to NRAO/AUI, they should be considered the primary copyright owner). For NRAO images, the NRAO will work with vendors on a case-by-case basis to establish appropriate permissions for use, which in some cases may involve a fee or royalty agreement.

2. Credit and Copyright Statements

Any use of NRAO images shall include one of the following credit statements:

"This image was generated with data from telescopes of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, a National Science Foundation Facility, managed by Associated Universities. Inc.",
"National Radio Astronomy Observatory / Associated Universities, Inc. / National Science Foundation", or
"NRAO / AUI / NSF".

Additional credit lines may be required for images that are copyrighted by individuals or other organizations. In such cases use the copyright specified and contact the individual/organization if questions arise.

II. GENERAL CONDITIONS

NRAO/AUI images may NOT be used to constitute, state or imply the endorsement by NRAO/AUI, the NSF or any NRAO/AUI employee of a commercial product, process, service, theory, or activity.
NRAO/AUI shall be acknowledged as the source of its materials, products, and technologies.
NRAO/AUI shall in no way be liable for any costs, expenses, claims or demands arising out of use of NRAO/AUI images by a recipient or a recipient's distributees.
NRAO/AUI personnel are not authorized to sign "hold harmless" statements or documents granting exclusive rights.
AUI has agreed that if it or anyone else owns a copyright which is produced by AUI or its employees in the performance of work under AUI's Cooperative Agreement with NSF, the Federal Government will have a non-exclusive, non-transferable, irrevocable, royalty-free license to exercise or have exercised for or on behalf of the United States throughout the world all exclusive rights provided by the copyright.
The NRAO is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and will not use images to discriminate against any protected employment class.

III. CONTACT

For further information or assistance, please contact:

Public Information (info at nrao.edu)
National Radio Astronomy Observatory
520 Edgemont Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22903

Last updated: November 24, 2003