Q: I make memes and I get clips from other creators.Creators I get clips from don't have a way to contact them.

A: The legality of using clips from other creators in your memes without their permission depends on the specific circumstances and whether your use falls under "fair use." Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows limited use of copyrighted material without permission from the rights holders for purposes such as criticism, parody, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

To determine if your use is fair use, courts consider four factors:

1. The purpose and character of the use (commercial vs. non-profit educational)

2. The nature of the copyrighted work

3. The amount and substantiality of the portion used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole

4. The effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work

If your memes are transformative (adding new meaning or expression), use a small portion of the original work, and do not negatively impact the market for the original work, your use may be considered fair use. However, if you are using substantial portions of the original work or your memes could be seen as a substitute for the original, the copyright owner may have a case against you.

It's important to note that fair use is determined on a case-by-case basis, and the outcome of a lawsuit would depend on the specific facts of your situation. If you are concerned about potential legal action, it is best to consult with an intellectual property lawyer who can assess your specific case and provide legal advice.

To minimize the risk of legal issues, it is always best to obtain permission from the original creators when possible or to use content that is in the public domain or licensed under Creative Commons.