Frequently Asked Questions and Links

Accredited scholars may consult manuscripts contained in the Tolkien archives; further details can be obtained from the institutions concerned:

The Bodleian Library, Oxford: specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Marquette University, Wisconsin, USA: william.fliss@marquette.edu

Bona fide image reproduction requests may be directed in the first instance to the Bodleian Library, where the archivist will give guidance on image availability and licensing:

specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Tolkien’s original drawings, paintings, maps, designs, scripts and other graphic works are protected by copyright and may not be copied. The Tolkien Estate takes action against parties who try to commercialise Tolkien’s works, including maps of Middle-earth, the One Ring Inscription and other images.

The Tolkien Estate does not give permission for use of its copyright works in these situations.  This policy extends not only to commercial activities but also those which are charitable or not-for-profit.

Tolkien clubs and societies require a licence to use the TOLKIEN name, which is a registered trademark.  The Estate will consider, amongst other things, the proposed objects, constitution and management of the club or society when determining whether a licence will be granted.

You can write to the Tolkien Estate at its registered office address: 

The Tolkien Estate Limited
Prama House
267 Banbury Road
Oxford OX2 7HT
United Kingdom

Unfortunately, it is not possible to email or telephone the Tolkien Estate directly, but the answers to most queries will be found in these FAQs and links.

Bona fide requests concerning documentaries, from established commercial broadcasters or producers only, may be addressed to: info@maierblackburn.com. 

While the Tolkien Estate encourages interest in JRR Tolkien’s works, the name TOLKIEN is a registered trademark and may not be used for the promotion of an event or festival without permission.

The Tolkien Estate has a duty to protect the integrity of Tolkien’s original writings and artworks and takes copyright very seriously. This means that you cannot copy any part of Tolkien’s writings or images, nor can you create materials which refer to the characters, stories, places, events or other elements contained in any of Tolkien’s works.

The name TOLKIEN is a registered trademark and may not be used without permission.  Unfortunately permission cannot be given for publications which use the name TOLKIEN or the Tolkien Estate’s copyright materials.

Enquiries about the Peter Jackson motion pictures of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit should be addressed to Warner Bros:

newlinecinema@newline.com

While understanding the wish of many fans to see a film of The Silmarillion, the Tolkien Estate has no current plans for any such motion picture.

The Tolkien Estate is currently unable to entertain enquiries about motion picture rights in any of JRR Tolkien’s works.

Infringements of the copyright in Tolkien’s works or the Tolkien trademarks may be reported to: info@maierblackburn.com.  

Requests to interview a member of the Tolkien family should be addressed in the first instance to info@maierblackburn.com

Tolkien’s invented languages and scripts are protected by copyright.  You may use them for your own private interest and amusement, but you may not reproduce them in any form of publication or in connection with any group activity, commercial or otherwise.

The Bodleian Library in Oxford carries a range of official Tolkien merchandise relating to its Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition, which can be found at:

https://bodleianshop.co.uk/collections/j-r-r-tolkien

The Tolkien Estate is not directly involved with merchandise relating to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit and relevant enquiries should be directed to The Saul Zaentz Company:

me@middleearth.com

You may not manufacture or sell any items that include the text of Tolkien’s works or his artwork. Nor may you use the names TOLKIEN or JRR TOLKIEN or the JRRT Monogram or Signature, all of which are registered trademarks. The Tolkien Estate takes action against individuals who sell infringing merchandise on eBay, Etsy, Redbubble and similar websites.

Articles which infringe the copyright in Tolkien’s works or the Tolkien trademarks may be reported to info@maierblackburn.com.  

While everyone is free to compose music, the Tolkien Estate does not permit the setting of Tolkien’s words to music.  Nor can you use the Tolkien name, book titles or any of the text of Tolkien’s works in connection with any musical composition.

The name TOLKIEN is a registered trademark and may not be used without permission.  Permission is not given for the naming of buildings, parks, gardens, streets, housing developments and the like.

All bona fide requests for permission to quote from Tolkien’s published works should be addressed to HarperCollins Publishers at:

CSEnquiries@harpercollins.co.uk

Information about permission to quote from Tolkien’s unpublished works will be given to scholars consulting the Tolkien archives by the archivists at those institutions:

The Bodleian Library, Oxford: specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Marquette University, Wisconsin USA: william.fliss@marquette.edu

The Tolkien Estate does not give permission for use of its copyright works in these situations.  This policy extends not only to commercial activities but also those which are charitable or not-for-profit.

Unfortunately, the members of the Tolkien family are not able to provide personal greetings or endorsements of any kind. 

Unfortunately, it is not possible to write directly to members of the Tolkien family. However, correspondence may be sent via the Tolkien Estate, using the postal address shown under ‘Contact’ above.

While understanding that many fans have passionate views and a great desire for more information about all aspects of Tolkien’s works, the Tolkien Estate is not able to become involved in any communications of this nature. There are of course many public forums where these matters can be discussed.

Photographs and likenesses of Tolkien are likely to be protected copyright works.  Permission should be sought from the copyright owners concerned:

HarperCollins Publishers: CSEnquiries@harpercollins.co.uk

The Bodleian Library: specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

It would represent a breach of copyright to make an adaptation of Tolkien’s works, dramatic or otherwise, and you may not create any materials which refer to the characters, stories, places, events or other elements contained in any of Tolkien’s works.

You can produce a play based on the authorized dramatic adaptation of The Hobbit with permission from The Saul Zaentz Company: me@middleearth.com.  No other authorized playscripts are available.  

Bona fide enquiries from accredited press and media organizations may be addressed to: info@maierblackburn.com

All such requests should be addressed to HarperCollins Publishers:

CSEnquiries@harpercollins.co.uk

While understanding that many fans have passionate views and a great desire for more information about all aspects of Tolkien’s works, the Tolkien Estate is not able to become involved in any communications of this nature. There are of course many public forums where these matters can be discussed.

All bona fide requests for permission to quote from Tolkien’s published works should be addressed to HarperCollins Publishers at:

CSEnquiries@harpercollins.co.uk

Information about permission to quote from Tolkien’s unpublished works will be given to scholars consulting the Tolkien archives by the archivists at those institutions:

The Bodleian Library, Oxford: specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Marquette University, Wisconsin USA: william.fliss@marquette.edu

The Tolkien Estate does not give permission for use of its copyright works in these situations.  This policy extends not only to commercial activities but also those which are charitable or not-for-profit.

Readings of Tolkien’s works in any setting which is open to the public will require permission, whether the event is commercial or otherwise.  Requests for permission should be directed to HarperCollins Publishers:

CSEnquiries@harpercollins.co.uk

Readings may not be recorded or broadcast, which means that they may not be streamed or uploaded for distribution via the internet.  The Tolkien Estate takes action  in respect of unauthorized audiobooks and readings of Tolkien’s works posted on websites and social media.

The names TOLKIEN and JRR TOLKIEN, the JRRT Monogram and JRR Tolkien Signature and the titles of many Tolkien works are registered trademarks belonging to the Tolkien Estate.  

In addition, many character names, places, events and other elements from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, including the titles of those works, are trademarked by The Saul Zaentz Company.

All such requests should be addressed to HarperCollins Publishers:

CSEnquiries@harpercollins.co.uk.

Any questions about the forthcoming Amazon TV series should be addressed to Amazon at courtney.brown@amazonstudios.com

See also:

https://press.amazonstudios.com/us/en/original-series/the-lord-of-the-rings-amazon-original-series/1

Accredited scholars may consult manuscripts contained in the Tolkien archives; further details can be obtained from the institutions concerned:

The Bodleian Library, Oxford: specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk

Marquette University, Wisconsin USA: william.fliss@marquette.edu