RE: classroom use of feature length film

How about two issues, may be permissible under the Copyright Act but in violation of the home use license so that it is a breach of contract?

Llew

-----Original Message-----
From: CNI-COPYRIGHT -- Copyright & Intellectual Property on behalf of McMullen, Anthony Sent: Thu 06/03/09 18:00
To: CNI-COPYRIGHT -- Copyright & Intellectual Property Subject: [CNI-(C)] classroom use of feature length film  

I have been asked to investigate copyright issues relevant to the following scenario:  

Instructor at educational institution wishes to rent a feature length film from Blockbuster video and then show film in its entirety to his Film Studies class of approximately 20 students. Class is face-to-face -- no duplication and retransmission of said film will occur.  

Is permission from copyright owner required? I'm finding conflicting information regarding the typical "for home use only" label that is fixed to most videos borrowed from commercial video stores. Does this "for home use only" rule apply, or is the above scenario covered under Fair Use ?  

Any insight is greatly appreciated

Tony McMullen
Systems Librarian
Reeves Memorial Library
Seton Hill University
1 Seton Hill Drive
Greensburg, PA 15601
(724)830-4616
FAX: 724-838-4203
mcmullen[_at_]setonhill.edu Received on Fri Mar 10 2006 - 22:35:00 GMT