Churches & Copyright Laws

[Bizzy4God]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CT

Can a Church freely loan copies of movies from it's video library to it's member?

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CT

Can a Church freely loan copies of movies from it's video library to it's member?

Why wouldn't they be able to do so?

 

[FlyingRon]

They'd have less problems doing that than showing them in church. Loaning (and even renting works) is not a copy and covered under the first sale doctrine and other laws. Public performance on the other hand, can cause real issues.

 

[Bizzy4God]

Why wouldn't they be able to do so?

I'm asking in respect to copyright laws.

 

[TheGeekess]

I'm asking in respect to copyright laws.

Are they making copies of the works, or loaning original-paid for copies?

Some production companies do allow for the free use and copying of their works.

 

[CSO286]

I'm asking in respect to copyright laws.

Lending a movie out is not infringing on the copyright.

 

[quincy]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? CT

Can a Church freely loan copies of movies from it's video library to it's member?

Many public libraries have video lending libraries and there is nothing in the law that prohibits someone (anyone) from loaning, giving, throwing away or selling to another their legally-purchased copy of a copyrighted work (see the "First Sale Doctrine" that FlyingRon referred to earlier).

Copyrights in a work are actually a bundle of rights, giving the copyright holder (often the creator of the work) the exclusive right to copy the work, distribute the work, prepare derivatives of the work, and display or perform the work - for as long as the copyright in the work exists.

Works that are in the public domain in the U.S., where the copyright has expired (e.g., works published before 1923) or has never existed (e.g., works created by the federal government) can be used freely for any purpose by anyone (as long as the work is not protected by trademark).

The church should avoid, however, having a public or church-member showing of any of the videos (for profit or not) as this would (in most cases and if permission is not granted in advance) infringe on the copyright holder's rights.