Licensing Movies Shown in Schools
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 carries with it the right to show the movie publicly outside the home, unless the site where the movie is used is properly licensed for public exhibition.
Ownership of the movie and the right to use it publicly are two separate issues. The copyright holder retains exclusive public performance rights.
This legal copyright compliance requirement applies to schools, public libraries, daycare facilities, parks, recreation departments, summer camps, churches, private clubs, prisons, lodges, businesses, etc.
This legal requirement applies:
Ownership of the movie and the right to use it publicly are two separate issues. The copyright holder retains exclusive public performance rights.
This legal copyright compliance requirement applies to schools, public libraries, daycare facilities, parks, recreation departments, summer camps, churches, private clubs, prisons, lodges, businesses, etc.
This legal requirement applies:
- Regardless of how the movies are obtained
- Whether or not an admission fee is charged
- Whether the facility or organization is commercial or non-profit
- Whether a federal, state or local agency is involved
