Software Engineering Institute Carnegie Mellon

Frequently Asked Questions About Carnegie Mellon Intellectual Property Developed by the SEI

Do I need permission to...

What is the correct way to...

Do I need permission to use text that was written by an SEI author?

Carnegie Mellon SEI authors produce a variety of copyrighted material, including announcements, articles, handbooks, manuals, terminology, white papers, etc. Many uses of Carnegie Mellon copyrighted materials require written permission, but in some cases written permission is not required (e.g., if permission is already granted in the front matter of the document or if you are using the work for government purposes). For details about these special cases and SEI general permission guidelines, see Permissions.

Do I need permission to use an SEI logo?

If you would like to use Carnegie Mellon SEI logos, please contact the SEI for written permission. See the frequently asked question, " What is the correct way to request permission from the SEI?" for more information.

Do I need permission to use a graphic (e.g., a chart, diagram, graph, or photo) from an SEI publication?

For permission to use Carnegie Mellon SEI graphics, please contact the SEI for written permission. See the frequently asked question, "What is the correct way to request permission from the SEI?" for more information.

In the case of photographs that appear in SEI publications or on the SEI Web site, contact the photographer who created the work. If you cannot determine the identity of the photographer or copyright owner, contact the SEI at permission@sei.cmu.edu.

See Permissions for more detailed guidelines about using Carnegie Mellon SEI images.

Do I need permission to link to a page on the SEI Web site?

No. It is not necessary to request permission to make referential hypertext links to SEI Web pages. The SEI prefers that you link to SEI Web pages whenever possible instead of reproducing them.

Do I need permission to use materials from an SEI course or workshop?

The text and graphics in course materials are subject to the same guidelines that apply to text and graphics in the preceding questions. There may be a fee for use of the material, depending on the amount of material specified in your request. Note that SEI courses are available for licensing. For more detailed information about SEI permission guidelines, see Permissions.

Do I need permission to use Carnegie Mellon/SEI trademarks and service marks?

Detailed instructions for the proper referential use of Carnegie Mellon/SEI service marks and trademarks are available at Trademarks and Service Marks. If you would like to do more than simply refer to the marks, you must obtain written permission from the SEI. See the frequently asked question, "What is the correct way to request permission from the SEI?" for more information.

Do I need permission to use SEI logos, the SEI name, or Carnegie Mellon/SEI trademarks and service marks in connection with my product?

If you wish to use Carnegie Mellon University trademarks or service marks, the SEI name, or any logo associated with the SEI in connection with any of your organization's goods or services, you must obtain written permission from the SEI. See the frequently asked question, "What is the correct way to request permission from the SEI?" for more information.

For information and guidelines regarding the proper referential use of Carnegie Mellon University service marks and trademarks, see Trademarks and Service Marks.

Do I need permission to call my product by a name that is similar to a Carnegie Mellon/SEI mark?

If your product is closely related to SEI work, you should request permission to use a similar name. See the frequently asked question, " What is the correct way to request permission from the SEI?" for more information.

What is the correct way to get the "SEI seal of approval" for my product?

The SEI does not endorse, approve, or recommend any specific tools, goods, or services under any circumstances.

What is the correct way to request permission from the SEI?

To request permission, submit a request via this permission form or fax the following information to 412-268-5758:

  1. List your complete contact information including mailing address, phone, FAX, and URL.

  2. What copyrighted material would you like to use?
    Identify the material and the specific portion you want to use as thoroughly as possible (by full title, date, report number, module number, caption, author, URL, etc.).

  3. How do you plan to use the copyrighted material?
    Do you plan to refer to it? Reproduce it "as is" in part or in its entirety? Create a hypertext link to it? Translate it "as is" into another language? Something else? Please describe your intended use in detail.

  4. In what format (delivery medium) do you intend to use the copyrighted material?
    Do you intend to use it in publications, software tools, CD-ROM products, instructional materials, marketing literature, or merchandise (e.g., T-shirts, badges, pens)? If you intend to use the material in any kind of publication (e.g., book, article, technical report, press release, Web page, presentation, briefing) please provide the working title, expected publication date, and publisher or publication name, if any.

  5. Are you using the copyrighted material for (a) commercial, (b) noncommercial, or (c) U.S. government purposes? (U.S. government purposes may include competitive procurement.)

  6. Do you intend to distribute the copyrighted material (a) inside your organization (internal use) or (b) outside your organization (external use)?

To expedite a response, please include all the above information in your request for permission. For information and guidelines regarding permission to use specific copyrighted materials owned by Carnegie Mellon University (e.g., text and images) see Permissions. If you do not find the copyright information you need on this Web site, please contact your legal counsel for advice.

What is the correct way to refer to Carnegie Mellon/SEI trademarks and service marks?

See Trademarks and Service Marks for complete instructions on the correct referential use of Carnegie Mellon/SEI trademarks and service marks.

If you have a question that is not addressed in this FAQ or in the related Web pages (Copyright, Permissions, and Trademarks and Service Marks) contact the SEI at permission@sei.cmu.edu.