Ok so I'm sure people ask about this all the time, but I've read articles and still don't fully understand it. I've made a video game related site where I make reviews and post news, etc. with ads. 1. If I understand correctly, it is fair use to do video reviews because it is for the purposes of criticizing. Likewise, is it fair to post cover art? 2. News: I can summarize an article another site posted with a few quotes if I credit them. IE, "gamespot reported blah blah blah. 'gamespot quote' blah blah blah. read the full article at link". 3. On wiki pages, is it a bad idea to put ads, especially with user created content, like guides? 4. Is it fair to post a trailer as part of news and commenting? IE, "A trailer has been released for yada yada. It appears that the game will feature blees and blahs, but blah. insert trailer." I would think that it was if it weren't for the fact that I'd have to post the whole thing. So probably, not right? Thanks for the help.
Fair Use is not something that is black and white - and when you make a site commercial (advertising, memberships, etc) if can negate the claim. You could hire an IP attorney to review each item you wanted to use and even that won't keep you from getting sued. Using some quotes with credit is one thing, using content owned by someone else in a situation where you will profit (from advertising) is something that is always going to have possible liability issues unless you have express permission from the copyright holder. Even if you were sued and won, you will still be out a small fortune in legal fees.