Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Missouri

Showing movies without violating copyright laws

I would like to show a movie to a group of neighborhood children on my inflatable movie screen using a dvd projector.

I expect my attendance would be around 10 - 25 kids, and the showing would take place in my backyard.

I spoke with the MPLC (Motion Picture Licensing Corporation) and was told that this would not require a license, as it was considered a private showing at my home. But, that it was still a ''gray area'' because of it being outside, as opposed to being inside the walls of my home.

I would like a more definitive opinion....

Thank you in advance for any response you give....


Asked on 2/27/08, 2:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Mitchell Interaction Law

Re: Showing movies without violating copyright laws

Section 101 of the Copyright Act contains the key language. Based on the facts you gave, the key question for me is not so much whether it is indoors or out, but whether the 10-25 kids are part of your normal circle of friends and family. Here is what the relevant part of Section 101 says:

"To perform or display a work �publicly� means�

(1) to perform or display it at a place open to the public or at any place where a substantial number of persons outside of a normal circle of a family and its social acquaintances is gathered;"

Also consider whether your back yard is "open to the public. Mine is not, but your, I don't know. ;-) And you certainly want the kids to be substantially part of your normal circle of family and friends.

Review the quoted language above, compare what you plan to do, and you'll probably have pretty good guidance.

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Answered on 2/27/08, 6:54 pm


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