What is Film Copyright Infringement & How Does it Happen?

As a filmmaker, you’ve certainly heard the term copyright infringement before? The legal implications of film copyright infringement represent incredibly serious concerns for filmmakers that are frequently overlooked for a variety of reasons. But intellectual property rights, and the laws surrounding U.S. Copyright protections are in place for a good reason and the protection of creative works and the effort put into such projects must not be taken advantage of or otherwise stolen. That’s really what film copyright infringement is, and it’s certainly not okay.

For a film producer, taking steps to ensure that your film doesn’t violate intellectual property laws and is not infringing on anyone else’s copyright represents a vital consideration that should be made throughout the production process.

From the very beginning, when you’re coming up with the foundation level ideas for your film through distribution, you’re responsible for understanding what film copyright infringement is and how it occurs as well as for making sure it doesn’t happen during your production!

What is Film Copyright Infringement?

Intellectual property, including published books, articles, novels, music, and even motion picture films are protected by U.S. Copyright.

Anytime someone reproduces, performs, distributes, publicly displays or otherwise creates a derivative work from the existing copyrighted material without first obtaining explicit permission to do so from the Copyright owner they have committed copyright infringement. 

For the purposes of a motion picture, film copyright infringement represents the reproduction, public display of, or creation of other derivative works from a copyrighted motion picture.

Copyright laws actually provide more protections than many are familiar with and represent original works providing unique 

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In fact, it may surprise you to know that you cannot rent a movie and share it in a classroom full of students. Without first seeking permission from the copyright owner to do so.

Likewise, it is a violation of copyright law to use clips for a film in the creation of your own film. Unless you have permission to do so.

Or under certain circumstances in which a parody has been produced. In which “fair use” protections might limit the extent. To which a copyright infringement case may be prosecuted. 

What Actually Counts as Film Copyright Infringement?

It’s surprising for some to realize what film copyright infringement is. You might think that the only way to actually commit film copyright infringement is to use a film as your own or in another project.

And while that does technically constitute film copyright infringement there are several other circumstances.

Which can equally be considered copyright infringement including:

• Showing a film in a public location, such as a park or community center, for a group of people.
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• Distributing a film online, by email, or otherwise to a group without permission.
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• Using film footage in other projects or using the storyline of a film or clips from a film in other projects or for the use of various other works.
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• Organizing and coordinating a film viewing for a group.

In Summation

Saving the words of a film on a hard drive, putting the words to paper. Or otherwise reproducing the important parts (or any parts). Outside of regular use will violate copyright laws resulting in copyright infringement. 

So, what is film copyright infringement? And how does it happen? Film copyright infringement represents the reproduction, distribution, public display of. Or projection of previously protected motion picture content that falls within specific categories.

It’s important for every filmmaker to understand how film copyright infringement occurs. And the steps they can take to prevent. Or to otherwise ensure they don’t face challenges in their potential release of a film. Or within their individual use of a film production.