Which doctrine allows brief excerpts of copyrighted material to be used for purposes like criticism or teaching without permission?

The doctrine that permits the use of brief excerpts of copyrighted material for purposes such as criticism, teaching, scholarship, or research without needing to obtain permission from the copyright owner is known as Fair Use. This legal principle is vital in promoting the free exchange of ideas and knowledge, as it provides flexibility within copyright law to balance the rights of creators with the public's interest in accessing information.

Fair Use is determined by several factors, including the purpose and character of the use (such as whether it is for commercial or educational purposes), the nature of the copyrighted work, the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole, and the effect of the use on the market for the original work. This doctrine encourages critique and commentary while safeguarding the rights of authors.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts not aligned with the principle of allowing limited use of copyright material. Creative Commons relates to licenses that enable creators to specify how others may use their works, Public Use does not exist as a legal doctrine in the same context, and Limited Access generally refers to restrictions on viewing or using materials rather than exceptions provided under copyright law.