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Copyright & Richland School The Federal Copyright Act (Title 17 of the U.S. Code) governs how copyrighted materials, such as movies, may be used. Neither the rental nor the purchase of a movie publicly outside the home, unless the site where the movie is used is properly licensed for public exhibition. The legal copyright compliance requirement applies to schools, public libraries, daycare facilities, parks, recreation departments, summer camps, churches, private clubs, prisons, lodges, businesses, etc. The legal requirement applies: 1. Regardless of whether an admission fee is charged. 2. Whether the institution or organization is commercial or non-profit 3. Whether a federal, state or local agency is involved. Education Exemption The Educational Exemption, also called, “face-to-face teaching exemption,” is a precise activity which allows the legal use of movies in certain types of teaching. In order for a movie to be considered an “Educational Exemption,” ALL criteria must be met: 1. A teacher or instructor is present. 2. The showing takes place in a classroom setting with only the enrolled students attending. 3. The movie is used as an essential part of the core, current curriculum being taught. (The teacher should be able to substantiate how this motion picture contributes to the overall curriculum as applied to the grade level being instructed.) 4. The movie being used is a legitimate copy, not taped from a legitimate copy or taped from TV. Copyright Infringers Can be Prosecuted The Motion Picture Association of America and its member companies are dedicated to stopping film and video piracy of all forms, including unauthorized public performances, illegal downloading, etc. The motion picture companies can and will go to court, suing schools, churches etc., to ensure their copyrights are not violated. To avoid embarrassing publicity and fines, please comply with U.S. Copyright Law when using movies publicly. Copyright Resources: Some great websites http://www.cyberbee.com/cb_copyright.swf |
