Overview of Permissions at Elsevier Health Sciences
Elsevier Health Sciences is a leading publisher of medical, nursing, and health sciences textbooks, journals, and related content. When you wish to use Elsevier content beyond what is covered by fair use or other statutory exceptions, you must obtain formal permission from our Permissions Department.
Our content includes copyrighted material such as text excerpts, tables, figures, images, and complete articles from thousands of Elsevier publications. As the rights holder of this valuable intellectual property, Elsevier works to balance making content accessible with protecting the interests of our authors and maintaining the integrity of our publications.
Note: This page provides general information about permissions. For specific permission requests, please contact our Permissions Department directly using the contact information provided below.
Getting proper permission is essential for:
- Reproducing content in another publication
- Using content in educational contexts
- Distributing material to colleagues or patients
- Posting content on websites or intranets
- Creating derivative works based on Elsevier content
When Permission is Needed
Permission is required when you wish to use Elsevier Health Sciences content in ways that go beyond what is permitted under copyright law exceptions such as fair use. While fair use allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research, there are limitations to what constitutes fair use.
You will typically need permission if you plan to:
- Reuse text excerpts, figures, tables, or images in a new book, journal article, or other publication
- Include Elsevier content in course packs or other educational materials that will be distributed
- Post content on a publicly accessible website or internal intranet
- Photocopy or otherwise reproduce substantial portions of a work
- Translate content into another language
- Use images for commercial purposes
- Adapt or modify content to create a derivative work
Quick Fair Use Assessment: Generally, using small portions of content (e.g., a single figure or a few paragraphs) for educational or research purposes in a limited setting may be considered fair use. However, using larger portions, multiple items, or using content in commercial or widely distributed works typically requires permission.
How to Request Permissions
Requesting permission from Elsevier Health Sciences is a straightforward process. We offer several options for submitting permission requests to accommodate different needs and timelines:
Online Permissions Request System
The fastest way to request permission is through our online RightsLink service. This automated system handles most permission requests instantly:
- Visit our publications platform and locate the specific content you wish to use
- Look for the "Request Permissions" link, typically found near the abstract or table of contents
- Complete the form with details about your intended use
- Receive an immediate decision for most standard requests
- If approved, complete the payment process (if applicable) and receive your license
Email Requests
For more complex requests that may not be handled by our automated system, you can submit a request via email:
- Send a detailed email to healthpermissions@elsevier.com
- Include complete bibliographic information for each item you wish to use
- Describe your intended use in detail, including purpose, audience, distribution, and any fees involved
- If your request involves multiple items from different publications, submit all information in one organized email
Required Information
When submitting a permission request, please include the following information:
- Your name, title, and institutional/company affiliation
- Complete contact information (email, phone, mailing address)
- Full citation of the Elsevier material you wish to use (authors, title, year, volume, issue, pages, DOI if available)
- Specific description of what you want to use (page numbers, figure numbers, etc.)
- Purpose of the use (e.g., educational, commercial, research)
- Medium of the intended use (e.g., print, electronic, both)
- Distribution method (e.g., textbook, journal article, website, internal memo)
- Projected audience size or print run
- Language and territories involved (for translations)
Tip: Providing complete, accurate information with your initial request will help us process your request more quickly. Please be as specific as possible about exactly what you want to use and how you plan to use it.
Types of Permissions
Elsevier Health Sciences offers various types of permissions depending on your intended use. The right type of permission ensures you have the legal coverage you need for your specific situation:
Reprint Permissions
Reprint permissions allow you to reuse Elsevier content in your own publications, such as textbooks, journal articles, or presentations. These permissions typically specify:
- Exactly which content may be used
- The format (print, digital, or both)
- Geographic territory for distribution
- Language of the publication
- Print run or distribution limitations
- Any required credit lines
Course Pack Permissions
For educational uses involving multiple students, course pack permissions allow you to compile Elsevier materials for classroom use. These permissions are typically:
- Limited to a specific course and term
- Based on the number of students enrolled
- Priced per student copy
- For non-commercial educational use only
Electronic Use Permissions
If you plan to post Elsevier content electronically, you will need specific electronic use permissions. These cover:
- Posting on publicly accessible websites
- Posting on password-protected educational platforms
- Use in institutional repositories
- Intranet postings within organizations
- E-book inclusion
Translation Rights
When you wish to translate Elsevier content into another language, you will need translation rights. These permissions specify:
- The target language(s)
- Geographic territories for the translated version
- Format (print, digital, or both)
- Limitations on adaptation or modification of the original content
Permissions for Patients
Healthcare professionals may wish to provide Elsevier materials directly to patients. Special patient permissions are available for:
- Distribution to individual patients
- Use in patient education materials
- Clinical handouts and resources
- Hospital or clinic information systems
Timeline and Costs
Processing Time
Permission request processing times vary based on the complexity of the request and the method of submission:
- Standard requests through RightsLink: Immediate decision
- Email requests: Typically 3-5 business days
- Complex requests: May take 1-2 weeks or longer
- Requests involving third-party content: Additional processing time required
We process requests in the order received. During peak periods, processing times may be longer. Please submit your requests well in advance of your publication deadline to avoid delays.
Permission Fees
Many permission requests involve a fee based on the type of use, the amount of content, and the nature of the publication. Standard fees typically range from $25 to $150 per item, but may vary based on:
- Whether the use is commercial or non-commercial
- The size of the audience or print run
- The number of items requested
- Multiple format uses (print and electronic)
- Geographic territory
Certain educational and non-profit uses may qualify for reduced fees or fee waivers. If you believe your request may qualify, please include details about your non-profit status or educational purpose in your request.
Payment Options
When a fee is assessed, payment can typically be made by:
- Credit card (online requests)
- Invoice for institutional payments
- Check or money order
For online permissions, payment is generally required before the permission license is issued. For email requests, an invoice will be provided, and payment must be received within 30 days.
Rush Processing: If you need expedited processing of your permission request, please clearly indicate "RUSH" in the subject line of your email. An additional rush fee may apply for expedited service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission if I'm using the material only for internal company purposes?
Even internal uses may require permission if they involve systematic distribution or copying. Large-scale distribution within an organization typically requires formal permission. Small, individual copies for research or study purposes may fall under fair use, but it's best to err on the side of caution and obtain permission when in doubt.
What is the difference between copyright permission and reprint permissions?
Copyright permission grants you the right to use copyrighted material as specified in your license agreement. Reprint permissions specifically allow you to include the content in your own publication. While related, they serve different purposes and are granted based on specific intended uses.
Can I modify figures or tables if I get permission?
Unless specifically granted, permission to use content does not include the right to modify or adapt it. If you need to make changes to figures, tables, or other content, you must request permission specifically to create a derivative work.
Does Elsevier own the copyright to all the content in its publications?
While Elsevier typically holds the copyright to the overall publication, some content within our publications may be owned by third parties. In such cases, we may need to direct you to the appropriate rights holder or assist with contacting them.
What if I can't determine the copyright status of a particular item?
If you're uncertain about the copyright status of any content, submit a permission request and we'll verify ownership and provide appropriate guidance. It's always better to request permission than to risk copyright infringement.
How long is permission valid?
The duration of permission varies based on the type of license. Some permissions are one-time use only, while others may be valid for multiple editions or a specified period. The terms of your permission will be clearly outlined in your license agreement.
Can I transfer my permission to another party?
Permission licenses are typically non-transferable. If someone else wishes to use the same content, they must request their own permission license.
What if I use content without permission?
Unauthorized use of copyrighted material may constitute copyright infringement, which can result in legal action, financial penalties, and damage to professional reputation. Always obtain permission when it's required.
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