Filming iPhone Apps

[yourwiseguy]

I run a video blog on which I review iphone, itouch, and pad applications. I take video of the applications and show them in each of my videos. My concern is that I am breaking copyright because I didn't actually make the apps, and I don't own them. Do I need to get in contact with every app developer so I can get permission? I am concerned because I want to become a YouTube partner and I don't want copyright issues to hinder my acceptance into the program. Thank you in advanced.

 

[Some Random Guy]

You are demonstrating the use of a product and not copying it. Therefore, any videos of the screens would typically fall under fair use of their copyrighted works.

But fair use has its limits, For example, if you were reviewing a book reading app and took video of every single page of the book then you would have problems. Similarly, if it is a puzzle app and you took videos of all of the puzzle solutions and thereby harmed their ability to sell the app, then you could have issues. Also, if you review a pre-release or pirated copy of the app, then your fair use exception may not apply with out specific permission.

But I would suggest that you do get in contact with the publishers because, as a general rule, app developers like publicity and you may find yourself on the recieveing end of new apps and new app updates if your blog is truly popular.

P.S. If you use the app logos to market your blog, then that may be a trademark violation, not a copyright violation.