Presidential speeches

[erraticm]

Los Angeles

I want to use a recording of a presidential speech in a motion picture. Are they copyrighted? Or can I use them for free?

[divgradcurl]

I want to use a recording of a presidential speech in a motion picture. Are they copyrighted? Or can I use them for free?

It depends on who recorded the speech. If you recorded the speech, then of course you are free to use it. If someone else recorded the speech, then you'll need to get their permission before you can use the speech. The speech itself is not copyrighted -- but the recording of the speech is, and whoever recorded the speech holds the copyright, and it is from that person or organization from whom you'll need to get a license to use the recording.

The exception to this is if the speech was recorded by a government agency, in which case you are free to use it. Also, if the recording has been placed into the public domain you could use it. Otherwise you'll need a license.

Finally, if the recording was made prior to 1923, you can use it free of any copyrights.

[ASclear]

State: California

I also have questions regarding Presidential Speeches. Is your below answer also true if I use a short excerpt of a presedential speech as a sample in a musical recording?

If so, assuming a use a recording from the National Archives (NARA) Presidential Library, am I correct in thinking that I would not have to clear the recording as NARA is a Govenmental Agency.

Lastly, do I have to clear right of privacy/pubicity rights from the Estate of the president that is giving the speech in order to include his voice?

Your advice is most appreciated.

Thanks

Originally Posted by erraticm

Los Angeles

I want to use a recording of a presidential speech in a motion picture. Are they copyrighted? Or can I use them for free?

Just curious...I haven't heard or read of any presidential speech in about the last hundred years that worth using for anything. Which speech is it?

[rmet4nzkx]

Originally Posted by seniorjudge

Just curious...I haven't heard or read of any presidential speech in about the last hundred years that worth using for anything. Which speech is it?

The only one that was a real killer of a speech was that of Wm. Henry Harrison who died 30 days later. It was edited by Danial Webster. It was not recorded

Originally Posted by rmet4nzkx

The only one that was a real killer of a speech was that of Wm. Henry Harrison who died 30 days later. It was edited by Danial Webster. It was not recorded

I liked Tom Jefferson's inaugural address. I was a little young then, but I still remember every word!