Here at the VDC Group, we do a whole lot of CD and DVD duplication and replication. And while most of those are precisely what you’d expect – for instance, promotional and corporate videos, a band’s new EP – it’s probably worth explaining what you can’t replicate, duplicate, or any other ‘licate’ you care to name.
In a nutshell: Copyrighted footage, audio and images.
We can’t say we come across it very often, but there’s often a lingering doubt in the minds of some as to whether what they’ve used constitutes copyrighted material. You pop on Google Images, and while a photo might say it’s rights-free, can you really be sure? You find a killer old-fashioned cine film clip from the 1800s, can you use it?
If you’re intending to make money from your project, you’ll need to ensure you have the right to use whatever it is you’re using. Lawsuits are a messy business, and if you’re a small company, you could be risking your livelihood just because The Good, The Bad and The Ugly theme fit so well with your promo video.
What Can Be Copyrighted?
Pretty much anything can be copyrighted. Films, books, photographs, plays, paintings, video games… You name it, if it was created by someone, they own the copyright. It’s theirs, and the only way to get your hands on it is to ask permission. In writing, of course.
How Long Does Copyright Last?
The length of time that the law covers copyrighted material varies from medium to medium. These range from 25 to 125 years.
Typographical arrangement of published works – 25 years
TV broadcasts, radio broadcasts, Parliamentary Copyright – 50 years
Film, literature, music – 70 years
Crown Copyright – 125 years
What Can I Use?
If you haven’t sought, or simply can’t seek, permissions for copyrighted materials, there are some options available to you.
The first is to search for rights-free images, music and footage. There are a few available, such as Getty Images, iStock, and Incompetech. Some can be used free of charge, some may need a monthly or annual subscription. Incompetech, for instance, only requires a Creative Commons Attribution License – which gives credit to the artist – then it’s totally free for use.
And once you’ve got your piece sorted and Copyright-proof, let us know by contacting the team on 0208 963 3555 and we’ll be delighted to bring your work to a wider audience thanks to our DVD and CD replication and duplication services.
