The excitement of producing something great can be the kiss of death in the video production world without a grasp of copyright law. Imagine investing so much time and energy into a video only to get a cease-and-desist letter for a simple copyright violation. And this is not just a fantasy; this is the reality for a lot of Indian creators.
You can know the copyright so that you can make the kind of content that sticks and don’t worry about going to jail. So, why should you care? Because information is power and if you compete in the Indian media space then being an informed person is an advantage.
In this article, we’ll discuss the complexities of copyrights in India for video production supported by some real life cases from Indian brands. You’ll at the end understand how to navigate these rules, and how your artistic projects can still be protected.
Understanding Copyright Laws
What is Copyright?
Copyright is a legal system in which original authors own the right to work. It is books, music, art, and of course video. Copyright in India is a matter of the Copyright Act of 1957 which guarantees the rights of creators and enables them to profit from it.
Key Rights Under Copyright
- Copyright: This is the license to make copies of your creations.
- Publicity Rights: The permission to distribute copies.
- Derivative Works: The license to modify or make derivative work of your work.
- Public Performance: The right to perform in front of others.
Duration of Copyright
Copyright protection is 60 years or the life of the author plus 60 years in India. For business companies, that period is 60 years from the publication date. It is important for video creators to know this timeline if they want to protect their IP.
Common Copyright Problems in Video Production
Even with the glimmer of copyright-savvy, video makers have their struggles. Here are some common issues
1. Using Music in Videos
A video can be made more emotional by using music. But copyrighted songs are not untouchable without consequences. A prominent Indian brand for instance, used a popular Bollywood song in their advertisement without acquiring the licenses. The result? Big fine and negative press.
2. Stock Footage and Images
For many producers, stock footage is a part of their videos. But not all stock photos or videos are regulated by the same licence agreements. An amateur production company, for example, took a video clip from a stock library (assuming that it wasn’t commercial). They then found out the clip required additional licensing for commercial use, and went to court for years.
3. User-Generated Content
Content produced by people (UGC) can be a great marketing strategy. But unlicensed use of UGC can be a copyright violation. The most recent example was of an Indian brand which unconcernedly used customer videos in a marketing initiative and received backlash and legal action from the makers of the videos.
Steps to Navigate Copyright Laws
1. Educate Yourself
So here is how to know copyright law, step by step. You have plenty of resources to get you started, from online courses to workshops.
2. Use Copyright-Free Resources
Many platforms provide free copyright-free music, photos, videos etc. Pexels, Unsplash, Artlist these sites can be treasure troves. Read the licensing agreements to be in line.
3. Obtain Permissions
Any time you want to copy another person’s work, ask for permission. Get clear permission whether it’s a song, video or picture, which will keep you out of trouble in court.
4. Create Original Content
Copyright problems are the best way to get around it: build your own copy. Spend some time to create your own content that matches your brand identity. It not only makes you secure legally but also makes your brand more authentic.
5. Consult Legal Experts
To determine this, consult a copyright lawyer when you are unsure. They will advise you on your own case, to keep you within the legal law.
Real-Life Examples from Indian Brands
T-Series
Copyright management is a piece of cake for T-Series, one of the biggest music labels in India. They have a well-oiled mechanism in place to guard their music catalogue, and any illegal use will be immediately rectified. They’re proactive in their own ways not only to ensure they have their assets protected but are an example for other businesses.
Zomato
The food delivery service Zomato had a hit after they used user generated content in their advertising without consent. This incident underscored the need to pay creators’ rights and Zomato rolled out more detailed policies on the use of their content.
Conclusion
Copyright law and video production doesn’t have to be a black box. You can create interesting content and not run afoul of the law by knowing your rights, learning them, and treating others fairly.
If you are just getting started in the video production business, work with experts who have experience in copyright issues. Brands like Reset Media focus on creating impactful content in accordance with copyright regulations.
After all, your originality is worth protecting. So know your stuff, do not be disrespectful of others rights, and voice your own opinion on video production. Considering hiring a pro might be your next best move when you want to increase the quality of your video without breaking the law.