Copyright Compilation Question

[Rob12345]

Hi,

< A "compilation" is a work formed by the collection and assembling of pre-existing materials or of data that are selected, coordinated, or arranged in such a way that the resulting work as a whole constitutes an original work of authorship. The term "compilation" includes collective works. >

I have made a video clip using a series of images and i'm wondering whether or not an image from a video clip would be a pre-existing material with a copyright?

For example, a series of images from a football game have been taken from television, modified and assembled to make a video clip. Would this constitute an original work of authorship?

Thanks,

Rob

 

[racer72]

Do you have permission from the owner of the television broadcast (such as the NFL or NCAA)? They would have a little heartburn over use of their product without permission.

 

[HomeGuru]

Hi,

< A "compilation" is a work formed by the collection and assembling of pre-existing materials or of data that are selected, coordinated, or arranged in such a way that the resulting work as a whole constitutes an original work of authorship. The term "compilation" includes collective works. >

I have made a video clip using a series of images and i'm wondering whether or not an image from a video clip would be a pre-existing material with a copyright?

For example, a series of images from a football game have been taken from television, modified and assembled to make a video clip. Would this constitute an original work of authorship?

Thanks,

Rob

My response: no it would not be original work. Think of making a similar clip of some images from the Superbowl. You would have the NFL doing the XFL on you while the AFC watches and cheers.

 

[Rob12345]

Do you have permission from the owner of the television broadcast (such as the NFL or NCAA)?

No, no permission. I am wondering whether or not a still image from a transmission would have its own copyright?

And would they constitute an original work of authorship, if I edited these images?

Thanks,

Rob

 

[racer72]

Ever hear the speel the announcers always give early in any sporting event broadcast on TV? "This transmission is owned by (name your favorite sport league) and all pictures, images, and graphics may not be used without written permission of the (name your favorite sport league again) and (name the broadcast company televising the game). To me, this means you cannot use any part of the broadcast without permission. And they would not qualify as an "original work of authorship" even if you edited the images. Editing a copyrighted image does not give one permission to copyright that image as an original.

 

[halfpint0613]

Ok. First let me just tell you that a compilation is usually in reference to a written work, such as a large book filled with short stories, like alot of fairy tale books for kids, and also poetry and inspirational books, and books full of quotations. I know, why the heck doesn't it apply in the same way. One of the reasons is that even in a poetry book, you see the authors name at the end of each poem, same with quotation books, and even books of children's fairy tales are title "by: Hans Christian Anderson" or whoever that particular one is written by, and if you don't see that, then it's probably because we don't know who wrote it originally. In a video it's hard to recognize the original creators, and I'm sure you didn't pull out the cam corder and talk into it explaing how you have made this as a compilation which is original in it's current state, but is a compilation. Anyway, it doesn't really matter, because before we can even get that far we have to consider something else. If you want to be perfectly legal about the whole thing, you can't, because you've already "technically" broken the law just by taping the program. I know that we all record things off the TV or copy a friends tape or, with newfound technology, burn our rented DVD's (not that I've done any of these things of course ), and we don't get in trouble for these things, but they are against the law. The reason we don't get in trouble is because the police don't have the time to bang down everybodies doors and ask to see their tapes, and I for one am glad that they find better things to do with their time. So, the answer to your question is no, your tape isn't an original compilation, sorry! Now I'm not a lawyer, so you may want to double check just to be absolutely certain, but I hope that I've helped you. By the way, if you go to the court house closest to you, (wherever that may be) I'm SURE that they have a law library there, as most do, and the librarian there is especially versed in these most confusing books, so don't be overwhealmed by it all, just ask for help and they'd be glad, they know how confusing it is!!

 

[mwoody]

It Depends

I really depends on how you intened to use the compilation. I agree with these other views inwhich all have merrit but have crossed this bridge many times in the past. Technically your taping the program was illegal because the work was disclaimered to the condition of expressed written consent for permission to use the material being displayed. Now, to the usage point. You can make this compilation if your intention is to display your skill for making compilations or "editing". You can display this compliation if you are doing so for the same reason. Your "Demo" of your capabilities can contain copyright material but is always best to obtain permission from the owner. Hope this helps...