There are many ways to extract original source data from figures and plots in publications. If one were to do that and reanalyze the data in the same or a different way, is that acceptable in a publication or is it a copyright violation? The original data would be referenced. Is it okay to reproduce the original plot using that data or alter it to show how it differs when the data are analyzed differently?
Theoretically speaking it should not be considered a copyright violation if you are re-analyzing data that is available publicly. Also based on the type of copyright you can reproduce or redraw the figures. However, if it were me and the data is not open source, I would mail the publisher directly. Usually they reply promptly and they can officially transfer permission to use figures or data (usually for free). They will also provide you the proper way to reuse the data too.
If you reproduce the figure in its original form, you should seek permission from the publisher of the source material. If however, you are re-analyzing the data and presenting in an alternate fashion and/or combining new analytical techniques, then permission would not necessarily be required. Of course, in either case, a clear citation to the source is mandatory. Hope this helps!
Hamed Bazaz | Founder, Managing Director | www.journaledit.com
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