Copyright Law and the Use of
Videos and DVDs
--What the Law Says--

The Federal Copyright Act (Title 17, United States Code, Public Law 94-553, 90 stat. 2541) governs how copyrighted materials, such as movies, may be used. Neither the rental nor the purchase of a videocassette or DVD carries with it the right to use the movie outside the home.

• "Fair Use"
• Why is Copyright Infringement a Concern?
• Copyright Infringement Can Result in Costly Penalties
• Copyright Infringers can be Prosecuted

Additional Internet Resources on Copyright Law and the Application of it:

• Copyright Resources on the Internet
• Cornell University School of Law Searchable Title 17 Information
• Motion Picture Licensing Corporation: Summary Areas

"Fair Use"
In some instances, it is not required to obtain a Movie Copyright Compliance Site License when exhibiting copyrighted materials such as videocassettes or DVDs. This "face-to-face teaching exemption" applies only IF:

• A teacher is in attendance and
• The showing takes place in a classroom setting, and
• The movie is used as an essential part of the current curriculum being taught.

Summer camps, public libraries, day-care facilities, parks and recreation departments, churches and non-classroom entertainment movies being used at schools and universities are all examples of situations where a Movie Copyright Compliance Site License must be obtained. This legal requirement applies:

• Regardless of whether an admission fee is charged
• Whether the institution or organization is commercial or non-profit
• Whether a federal or state agency is involved

If you are uncertain about your responsibilities under the copyright law, consult your school legal copyright representative.Back to Top

Why is Copyright Infringement a Concern?
The concept of "Public Performance" is central to copyright and the issue of protection for intellectual property. The men and women who work for and in the films' production receive royalties as part of their compensation for their labor and skill. Such royalties are the only way publishers, writers, composers and many workmen are paid for their work. Back to Top

Copyright Infringement Can Result in Costly Penalties:
In addition to clouding one's media compliance reputation, computer software and other areas, copyright infringement can be very costly and can easily be avoided. Back to Top

Copyright Infringers can be Prosecuted
The Motion Picture Association of America and its member companies are dedicated to stopping film and video performance theft in all its forms, including unauthorized public performances. By its very mission, a school should not appear to encourage copyright violation less it be considered a contributory infringer.Back to Top

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