Obtaining Copyright Permissions for Bollywood Movie Scenes in an Android App

Developing an Android app that utilizes video content, such as Bollywood movie scenes, requires careful consideration of copyright laws to ensure that appropriate permissions are obtained. This article will guide you through the process of obtaining the necessary permissions to legally use copyrighted material in your Android app.

Understanding Copyright and Public Performances

When you purchase, rent, or borrow a DVD or video tape of a Bollywood movie, you obtain only the physical copy, not the underlying copyright rights. Beyond personal viewing, your rights are significantly limited by law. This includes the right to display the movie to a wider audience, such as through an app.

What Constitutes a Public Performance?

A public performance occurs when a movie is shown to people other than members of your family or a small group of your friends. If the showing takes place in a public place, such as a classroom or a theater, even if the audience is limited, it constitutes a public performance. Generally, showing a movie in your home or dorm room is not considered a public performance, as long as you limit attendance to family and friends.

Analyze Your Public Performance

To determine if your planned use of Bollywood movie scenes in your Android app constitutes a public performance, consider the following questions:

Will you be showing the movie to people other than members of your family or a small group of your friends? Will the showing take place in an area open to the public, such as a classroom or a theater?

Most other showings will be considered public performances, and you will need to obtain necessary permissions.

Applying Exceptional Licenses

Even if your proposed showing would constitute a public performance, there might be applicable exceptions to the license requirement. Some Bollywood movie scenes may fall under specific circumstances that allow for public display without additional licensing:

The movie originates from an approved distributor or filmmaker. A list of approved distributors and filmmakers can be found at http://library.wlu.edu/services/PPR. Your copy of the movie came with an express license authorizing the particular manner of showing. For example, some educational movies, such as those purchased directly from California Newsreel, may be legally displayed in this manner. The movie you wish to show is in the public domain. However, it is important to note that there is no general rule allowing the public display of all Bollywood movies.

For most Bollywood movies, rental from authorized distributors like Swank Motion Pictures Inc. or direct contact with the copyright holder, typically the studio, is necessary to obtain the required permissions.

Acquiring the Necessary Licenses

To obtain the necessary permissions for your Android app, consider the following steps:

Rent the movie directly from a distributor authorized to grant such licenses, such as Swank Motion Pictures Inc., instead of renting from a video store. Contact the copyright holder, usually the movie studio, to request the necessary license.

In most cases, you will be eligible for an educational or limited public performance license, which can often be obtained through these means.

Seek Professional Advice

If you have any questions about movie licenses or copyright law in general, please contact the Office of General Counsel at extension 8940 or refer to Section IV of the University Policy for the Use of Copyrighted Works.

It is important to remember that these materials do not constitute and should not be considered a substitute for specific legal advice. The resolution of legal issues often depends on slight changes in facts and circumstances, and your particular situation may differ from those described in these materials. If you have questions about your specific situation, please contact the Office of General Counsel at extension 8940.