Video copy wright laws... Question

[Mark Doble]

If a youth group leader has a good teen video at home and it was purchased by them years ago, are they allowed to show it to the youth group at the church?

No fee is being charged, nothing is being sold, just some kids getting together for a late night movie with friends. :basic01

[Chuck Wilkes]

I don't see any problem with that...especially if there is no charge for viewing it.

Chuck

[Gary Swartzlander]

You're fine. Enjoy.

No admission charge is the key.


*Ok, someone remind me to stick with the business I know and not dabble in law.

[Ryan Scott]

That's not true. It is illegal to show any movie in a public place without permission, even if nothing is charged for admission and no money is made.

Now, your chances of getting sued over it are lower in these instances, but you could still be on the hook for thousands of dollars if the copyright holder finds out.

Places of worship can get a license, similar to the CCLI license they get for copying and playing music in their services. It's a relatively low cost, per anum, based on membership or attendance or something. Most every major movie studio is covered under this license.

You can read more at www.cvli.com.

If you don't get a license like this, it can cost upwards of $300 for the rights to show a movie in public, even without making money or charging admission.

By the way, this applies to video clips in sermons as well.

Although, you're in Canada, so I have no idea if any of this applies. I do know that almost no church complies with this, unless they are large enough to get noticed.

[Chuck Wilkes]

Ryan is correct that the determining factor is not whether one charges for a showing. The issue of charging is only relevant to the character of the use. Most videos that are purchased come with a license for "home" use, or "personal" use. It's perfectly legal to have the youth group over to the leader's house to watch the video. I was assuming the showing at the youth group was akin to the leader simply showing a video to friends. If, on the other hand, it was used as part of his/her job it would be a problem. It's often a gray area and the best practice is to purchase a license.

Chuck

[Dave McClung]

That's not true. It is illegal to show any movie in a public place without permission, even if nothing is charged for admission and no money is made.

Now, your chances of getting sued over it are lower in these instances, but you could still be on the hook for thousands of dollars if the copyright holder finds out.

Places of worship can get a license, similar to the CCLI license they get for copying and playing music in their services. It's a relatively low cost, per anum, based on membership or attendance or something. Most every major movie studio is covered under this license.

You can read more at www.cvli.com (http://www.cvli.com).

If you don't get a license like this, it can cost upwards of $300 for the rights to show a movie in public, even without making money or charging admission.

By the way, this applies to video clips in sermons as well.

Although, you're in Canada, so I have no idea if any of this applies. I do know that almost no church complies with this, unless they are large enough to get noticed.

The simple truth is that the U.S. copyright laws are so complex that it is impossible for anyone to completely comply. That is why you ask lawyers if it is "against the law", they usually answer that "you won't get sued."

Copyright laws are a lot like the traffic laws. Everyone breaks them. The goal should be not to do something that gets you hurt or fined.

[Jim Monck]

If a youth group leader has a good teen video at home and it was purchased by them years ago, are they allowed to show it to the youth group at the church?

No fee is being charged, nothing is being sold, just some kids getting together for a late night movie with friends. :basic01

Actually if you pause it at the front and read the writing we always skip reading, you will find that you can open up a whole new area of ministry. Jail ministry.