[Jim Robinson]

To my knowledge, there is no specified percentage or word count in the fair use code:

Sec. 107. - Limitations on exclusive rights: Fair use



Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 106 and 106A, the fair use of a copyrighted work, including such use by reproduction in copies or phonorecords or by any other means specified by that section, for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching (including multiple copies for classroom use), scholarship, or research, is not an infringement of copyright. In determining whether the use made of a work in any particular case is a fair use the factors to be considered shall include -

(1)

the purpose and character of the use, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes;

(2)

the nature of the copyrighted work;

(3)

the amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole; and

(4)

the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work.


The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors

[texasbluebell]

I came across this 10% rule a while ago, am not too certain how it applies in this case. Here's a link that may help define it:

link--towards the end is the mention of 10%

It seems pretty murky though. But I think it all hinges on whether one is profitting financially from someone else's work. If there is no profit involved, well, I'm no lawyer, but I'm not at all certain it's that much of an issue...though I have a feeling you'd say "Tell that to the Wash Post and LAT"...