For her perspective on this question, CCC reached out to Elizabeth Jennings, a medical communications professional with over 20 years’ experience ensuring compliance with the regulatory framework governing the pharmaceutical industry.
When it comes to reusing a previously published chart, table or graph (often referred to as ‘standards’), first consult the copyright terms and conditions (T&C) to determine the copyright owner and locate information about the type of permission that applies to reuse of the standard. A thorough read of the T&Cs should make clear what you are and are not free to do with the standard, and who you need to contact if permission is required. When reusing standards, it is best practice not to make assumptions about what you can alter when reproducing the standard. Rightsholders, including journal publishers and congress bodies, often set strict guidelines to protect the copyright owner and the integrity of the standard. Making what you may consider a ‘minor change’ could be viewed by the rightsholder as a significant unauthorized change that breaches their T&Cs. Always check permissions with the rightsholder and be sure to allow enough time to provide all the information they may need to make a licensing decision. It’s also best to consider alternative solutions while you project manage your permissions in case you need a change of plan.
30 July 2025
