Using movie clips in my product.

[Trones]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
Currently I do not have an entity setup for this business, however it will most likely just be an LLC in Rhode Island... but then again maybe Nevada or Utah.

Anyway I want to release a digital informational product, and I wish to use certain clips of many different films that I have found are good examples to illustrate the points I am trying to make (most of this is about social situations and the actions of the actors). If a picture is worth a thousands words... film is the most powerful thing I can use... sorry for the cliche.

I know the basics about copyrights and trademarks, and if i made it absolutely clear that the content used belongs to whichever group, would I be inviting any litigation? Do i need to go to the production companies or whoever and get their express permission?

I am wary of using anything I do not own in any of my products, even down to the fonts on my websites.

Thank You.

 

[quincy]

You will need to get permission to use the film clips from the holders of the copyrights in the films, unless the films are in the public domain. See http://www.copyright.gov for more information on public domain materials.

In the U.S., attributing the source of copyrighted material does not prevent an infringement suit if the material is used without authorization from the copyright owner.

 

[Trones]

Ok thank You.

 

[quincy]

You're welcome, Trones.

Good luck with your digital informational product.