Can I use 30 seconds of copyrighted video?

There are not a lot of clearly defined rules about fair use. Thus, there are no rules such as “you can use up to 30 seconds” of a video or musical recording.

Are TV shows protected by copyright?

Copyright law is the primary form of legal protection for original creative works such as TV shows. This doctrine provides that no one creator may have the sole rights to utilize these kinds of generic scenes in their show. The merger doctrine states that some simple ideas may only be expressed in limited ways.

How long does a copyright last for a TV show?

For new television programs today, every show and episode is copyrighted by its production company for a term of 95 years, granting the production company exclusive rights to license or sell the program or adaptations of its content for almost a century.

How long are TV shows copyrighted?

As a general rule, for works created after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional 70 years.

Is it legal for me to watch a movie on my own?

You certainly are free to watch the movie yourself, but, beyond that, your rights are very limited by law. In particular, you do not have the right to show the movie to “the public.”. In most cases, doing that requires a separate “public performance” license from the copyright owner.

Why does my copy of the movie come with a license?

Your copy of the movie came with an express license authorizing the particular manner of showing. (For example, some educational movies, such as those purchased directly from California Newsreel at the “institutional” price, come with licenses to show the movies for certain noncommercial institutional purposes.)

Is it a copyright violation to post a short movie scene?

If you just collect material and publish it, that is a copyright violation, no matter how short the individual scene. Example: A Youtube video “Best action scenes evar”, which just clips action scenes from different movies together. Adding ten seconds of your own commentary will still make it a copyright violation.

Do I have the right to show a movie to the public?

In particular, you do not have the right to show the movie to “the public.” In most cases, doing that requires a separate “public performance” license from the copyright owner.