OT : Standard Copyright Warning

goodtimej wrote on 4/24/2008, 8:16 AM
I have a client that wants a copyright warning screen before each video I produce for him. No problem, I was just wondering if anyone knew where i could find the wording for a good standard warning. I'm sure I could write up a decent one, but I want to ensure I include all the legal-ese. I'm not sure that I can use the "exact" wording that comes on movies or I would do that as well. Thanks.

Comments

Cheno wrote on 4/24/2008, 8:22 AM
From the FBI website...

http://www.fbi.gov/ipr/

"In the meantime, it is perfectly fine for anyone, without FBI approval, to use the following generic language on material protected under U.S. copyright law: "Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000."
goodtimej wrote on 4/24/2008, 8:58 AM
Damn, the people on the board are so stinkin fast, it amazes me every time. Thanks.
baysidebas wrote on 4/24/2008, 9:46 AM
Dontcha know? They're so fast because they're on Vegas...
TheHappyFriar wrote on 4/24/2008, 10:33 AM
so just don't use the logo. :D

Ever see the start of the simpsons movie on DVD? It has a fake warning from the EPA about how the events of the movie aren't real & even if the EPA had t hat much power they wouldn't do what they did in the movie. Took me watching it ~10 times to realize that!
Terry Esslinger wrote on 4/25/2008, 11:07 AM
I have a couple that I acquired somewhere that I could post somewhere for you, if you would like.
NickHope wrote on 4/25/2008, 10:05 PM
I use one I adapted and updated from what the BBC use. I reckon the word ripping would be accepted in court by now:

[IMG=http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v290/bubblevision/copyright.jpg]
goodtimej wrote on 4/25/2008, 11:26 PM
thanks again
John_Cline wrote on 4/25/2008, 11:47 PM
The best response I have ever gotten from a copyright notice was on an album I produced for a very popular local band. It said:

"We worked very hard on this disc. PLEASE don't copy it! Besides, doing so would be bad karma"

There were a surprising number of people that said they didn't copy it simply because we asked nicely.

Jeff9329 wrote on 4/28/2008, 11:06 AM
I have a client that wants a copyright warning screen before each video I produce for him. No problem, I was just wondering if anyone knew where i could find the wording for a good standard warning. I'm sure I could write up a decent one, but I want to ensure I include all the legal-ese. I'm not sure that I can use the "exact" wording that comes on movies or I would do that as well. Thanks.

If this is a published work and the owner wants actual protection of the work, it will have to be registered.

The notice of copyright hasn't been required for years. It's really just a piracy warning.

If you are going to use a notice, keep it simple, there is no requirement whatsover. I.E. = Copyright 2008, Goodtimj Pictures (Or most likey, the owners name if your contract gives them full ownership and rights)