Legal Question in Entertainment Law in California

Handing out free DVD's with copyrighted footage
I've shot a few documentaries which
contains a few clips from big name
movies and a few soundtracks. It
seems like a headache to go through
the permissions and licensing which
prevents me from legally selling the
DVDs. So what if I were to just send
them out for free? I will charge the
buyers a shipping and handling fee
(reasonable price, I barely will make
money off of it).

Asked on 5/04/08, 4:02 pm

Gordon Firemark Law Offices of Gordon P. Firemark

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Re: Handing out free DVD's with copyrighted footage

I agree with Mr. Stone. Don't risk it. It's still copyright infringement, and it still violates the union contract for the actors, etc.

You MUST obtain all clearances, even if you're distributing the product for free.

Answered on 5/20/08, 7:36 pm

Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

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0 attorneys agreed

Re: Handing out free DVD's with copyrighted footage

Save the shipping and handling fees, you'll need it when the movie studio lawyers sue you for hundreds of thousands.

Answered on 5/04/08, 5:12 pm

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