When should I get permission to use a copyrighted work?

You should get permission to use a copyrighted work when you plan to reproduce, distribute, perform, or display it publicly in a way that is not covered under fair use or another exception. This is necessary if you intend to use the work in a commercial context, such as for marketing, product creation, or inclusion in your own creative project. You can typically request permission from the copyright holder or purchase a license to use the content legally.