Kinko’s won’t help you infringe…

I was at Kinko’s this week, and grabbed a brochure entitled “Copyrights & Trademarks.” Apprently, Kinko’s “want[s] you to be aware of the legal issues involved when copying trademarked, copyrighted and restricted materials.”

According to the brochure, Kinko’s “requires that customers receive written permission from the…owner before reproducing any…material.” How do you get permission? Kinko’s will help…the brochure includes a “Copyright/Trademark Permission Request Form.” Basically, a person who wants to make copies provides all of their personal information, and indicates the number of copies desired and the intended use and distribution of the copies. Give the completed form to a Kinko’s associate, and they will give you a complimentary fax to the copyright/trademark owner. No copies allowed until the form is sent back.

I didn’t think to do this while I was at the store, but I think I’ll ask a few Kinko’s associates how often they have received completed forms (and given the complimentary fax).