Copyright
Guide to using/obtaining correct copyright information and permission when duplicating graphics and/or text from published articles (or other sources).
It is important to note that in all cases where Figures and other graphics (as well as text) are duplicated into a Thesis, a manuscript, or other document in the public domain, it must be established whether this is protected by copyright, and if so what is needed to correctly and legally duplicate it. Also note that “Open Access” does not always by itself give rights to duplicate material; it is basically a personal permission to freely (no cost) access the material, and may be coupled to a license agreement.
Information on the copyright status of medical and natural science publications is in many cases available in the published article, and if not there, it can be found via the publishers/journals homepage, and it is typically regulated by a Copyright License.
An increasing number of scientific publishers use the “Creative Commons” license platform having a small series of License forms with varying restrictions stipulated in the license. For instance, some licenses allow adaptation/modification of duplicated material, others only allow use of the original. Therefore, read the license carefully a seek advice if in doubt. Do keep in mind that the license is a legal document, and violating it eventually may have legal consequences. If the particular license in question does not allow the intended use, it is often (and especially for use in a thesis) possible to apply for a specific permission/license via a link in the (electronic version of) the journal, of via the publisher homepage.
Indeed, many journals have a link on the front page of the online version to a CC license or to a “CCC Rightslink” page allowing determination whether permission to the specific case is required, and if so, how it may be obtained.
Most licenses require that duplicated material (Figures and other graphics (or text)) must be referenced with DOI link to the original publication as well as a link to the copyright license under which the material has been duplicated (in the legend). It is recommended to always include these two links. If you are a co-author of the publication, it is typically easier to obtain special copyright permission (if needed).
Some useful links:
Copenhagen University Library (KUB)
Elsevier - permissions guideline
How to Complete a RightsLink® Request