citatretten

Citatretten, or the right to quote, is a principle in Danish copyright law that allows the use of short excerpts from protected works without seeking permission from the rights holder, provided the use serves a legitimate aim such as criticism, review, teaching, or reporting, and that the quotation is properly attributed.

Conditions for its use include proportionality and necessity: the quoted material must be appropriate to the purpose and no longer than what is necessary to achieve it. The quotation should be clearly identified as such, with a citation to the source and author. The use should not replace the need to acquire permission for more extensive exploitation and should not distort the original work or its market.

Scope and limitations: The right covers literary, scientific, and artistic works and some related media, but it does not apply to ideas themselves or to content not protected by copyright. It is not a blanket exception; the quotation must be a limited extract used for the intended purpose. In digital contexts, proper attribution and non-misleading presentation remain important.

Relation to other rights: Citatretten interacts with other copyright rules, including how quotes are presented in journalism, academia, and online platforms. It is supported by Danish law and has been clarified through case law from courts and the Danish Supreme Court. For practical guidance, professionals typically consult national copyright guidelines and legal counsel.