Copyright Mythos

[Losoyo]

Hey All,

One of the things I always see is this mythology or thinking that if 'I don't monetize it, I can use it'. Copyright is Copyright. You can post something up and be in violation of copyright as long as the other person can prove that it is a monetary hit. They can always say that you are pulling views away. If you post something up in it's entirety - you are in danger of copyright and a permanent strike on your account. If you are going to upload, utilize the Fair Use protection which means upload under the limited scope that you are given (commentary, comedy, etc). I hate it when new youtube channels with promise try to upload stuff and get hit by a corporation with a DMCA - then they really have no recourse. Anyway, That's my epic opinion for the day.. Enjoy!

 

[Bryant]

could you clarify what you mean when you say comedy? for example, could you use a character but give it completely new dialogue and put it in completely new situations?

 

[Losoyo]

Yes, Comedy or Parody is allowed. Remember Copyright law is written to protect the form an idea takes, not the idea itself. Example: In starwars, a story about a boy fighting a massive entity against all odds in space is an idea that you can write about and be fine.. However, you can't have a character named Luke Sky Walker going against Darth Vader.. Idea, and form it takes.

As a parody, you can do comedy and act as the character and what not. So for instance - Spaceball, thumbwars.. These are parodying the idea - and they make money doing it. does that help clear it up?

 

[Bryant]

yeah thanks. I guess I was just wondering if I could say be "Luke Skywalker" but have him in completely new situations, just retain the name. But I could just as easily change the name. Thanks!

 

[dylanmanincfanatic]

Hey All,

One of the things I always see is this mythology or thinking that if 'I don't monetize it, I can use it'. Copyright is Copyright. You can post something up and be in violation of copyright as long as the other person can prove that it is a monetary hit. They can always say that you are pulling views away. If you post something up in it's entirety - you are in danger of copyright and a permanent strike on your account. If you are going to upload, utilize the Fair Use protection which means upload under the limited scope that you are given (commentary, comedy, etc). I hate it when new youtube channels with promise try to upload stuff and get hit by a corporation with a DMCA - then they really have no recourse. Anyway, That's my epic opinion for the day.. Enjoy!

Very well stated, great post =)