Media Copyright

Copyright is a type of intellectual property that protects original works of authorship as soon as an author fixes the work in a tangible form of expression.¹

Tangible Forms of Expression

Works protected by copyright include but are not limited to the following:

Paintings
Photographs
Illustrations
Musical Compositions
Sound Recordings
Computer Programs
Books
Poems
Blog Posts
Movies
Architectural Works
Plays
TV Shows

Original Works Author's Rights & Licensing

Copyright provides the owner of copyright the right to authorize others to exercise these exclusive rights, subject to certain statutory limitations. This is achieved through Agreements, Exceptions, and Limitations.

Agreements

Most forms of multimedia (TV shows, movies, music, and podcasts) require the purchase of a license. While licenses are easily obtained, ensuring the correct license is obtained is critical, typically based on the number of participants/

Movies & TV

While you may pay a monthly subscription to watch a movie or TV show via YouTube TV, Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, Prime Video, Max, Apple TV, etc., it only licenses you the right as an individual or family. Consumer subscriptions do not license you to show a movie or TV show to a broader audience. However, should you wish to show the media during a meeting or event, you can purchase a license through Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. Once you've purchased the license for viewing (typically based on the number of viewers), you may be able to use your personal subscriptions to show the media.

To view licenses for movies or TV shows, click here to access the Swank Motion Pictures, Inc. website.

Music

Music, similar to movies and TV shows, is also covered by Copyright Law. Therefore, you must also obtain a license as the simple use of a Spotify or Apple Music account, playing a digital file, CD, cassette tape, or record, as examples, does not suffice, even if you own a copy of the music. Instead, the copy you own was purchased through an end-user agreement where the music was for personal use only. Should you wish to play music at a meeting or event, you can buy a license through one of the following licensing companies listed below. Click on the name to access their website.

Exceptions & Limitations

Some works have exceptions and limitations, including fair use. This also includes "...some reproductions by libraries and archives, certain performances and displays, broadcast programming transmissions by cable and satellite..." To learn more, click here to visit the U.S. Copyright Office Fair Use Index.

¹Definition and information above was obtained from the U.S. Copyright Office What is Copyright webpage. Click here to learn more.