Showing Films and Videos
Guidelines by Setting
- In-person classroom: Generally permitted under the face-to-face teaching exemption (17 U.S.C. ยง110(1)).
- Online classes: Fair use may apply depending on scope and purpose. If fair use does not apply, you must secure a streaming license or use a licensed provider.
- Other events: Permission is generally required, often through a Public Performance Rights (PPR) license.
Copyright Compliance
Using copyrighted material without permission constitutes copyright infringement, whether you purchased the content or are using a streaming service. Violations can carry significant penalties for the university. For instructional support, please visit Lehigh Media Services.
Public Performance Rights (PPR)
A license is required for all public performances. PPR is the legal right to show a film or stream a video when the screening occurs outside of regular, student-rostered classroom instruction.
A screening is considered a public performance if:
- It is open to the public.
- It occurs in a public space (e.g., auditorium, lounge, meeting room).
- It is advertised.
- Admission is charged or not.
Licensing fees compensate the copyright owners and creators for their work.
Purchasing Public Performance Rights
Licenses are valid for specific time frames, regardless of attendance size. You can obtain a license by:
- Renting the movie directly from a distributor authorized to grant licensing, such as Swank Motion Pictures, Inc..
- Contacting the copyright holder (usually the studio) directly.