Copyright Protection For Youtube

Summary

Your original content is automatically protected by copyright once created and fixed in a tangible form, such as uploading it online. You can use a copyright notice without registration, but registering provides additional legal benefits. YouTube allows you to file removal requests for copyright infringement without needing a registered copyright. Always follow the license terms for any royalty-free music used.

Full Conversation

If I’m legally using royalty free music on my YouTube channel for my animated short films and web series, can I still put a note saying “please don’t upload my content without my permission unless if its fair use”?
Hello Sean,
Yes, you can add such a note. However, please remember:
- This note doesn't provide legal protection.
- It can't override fair use rights.
- If someone infringes your copyright, you'll need to file a claim with YouTube.
It’s not a legal protection necessarily but I’m just asking since my content includes royalty free music mixed in (as legally permitted)
Hello Sean,
You can certainly include such a note. Including royalty-free music in your content doesn't change your rights to your own original content. Just remember:
- Royalty-free music's usage must be within its license terms.
- Infringements should be reported to YouTube.
And I put that fair use is fine, which is like reviewing my stuff for example, is this okay?
Hello Sean,
Yes, stating that fair use is acceptable is alright. Be aware:
- Fair use often includes critique, commentary, news reporting, and research.
- The fair use doctrine varies significantly, depending on the jurisdiction.
- Legal advice might be required if disputes arise.
My original content doesn’t have a registered copyright so can I still include this note?
Hello Sean,
Yes, you can include the note. Here are some points to remember:
- Your work is protected by copyright law as soon as it's created and fixed in a tangible form.
- Registration isn't required for copyright protection, but it may be beneficial if you need to sue someone for copyright infringement.
So basically I can’t take legal action if I don’t register or? I’m confused about the difference
Hello Sean,
Here is the distinction:
- You can take legal action for copyright infringement even if your copyright is not registered.
- However, registering your copyright with the U.S. Copyright Office can provide additional legal benefits, such as statutory damages and attorney's fees in successful lawsuits.
I don’t understand, so simply uploading an original video even with royalty free music I legally had rights to use in the video, automatically becomes copyrighted?
Hello Sean,
Yes, your original video content is automatically protected by copyright once it's created and fixed in a tangible form, including uploading it online. However, remember:
- The royalty-free music used must be in line with its license terms.
- Registration provides additional legal benefits.
Does that mean I can put a copyright sign on my videos if I wanted to like (C) * Sean Malin Films
Hello Sean,
Yes, you can put a copyright sign on your videos. Here are some points to consider:
- You don't need to register your work to use the copyright symbol.
- Using the symbol informs others of your copyright, although it's not legally required.
- The year should be the year of creation.
If it’s an episode of a series that airs in a year after the year the series was created should I use the year the episode is released on?
Hello Sean,
Yes, for individual episodes of a series, use the year each episode was created or released. Remember:
- Each episode may be separately copyrighted.
- The year represents when the work was created or first published.
Does every single thing about my video have to allow “commercial use” in order for me to put a personal copyright without registering this way? Or can it be personal stuff
Hello Sean,
- You can copyright your original content, regardless of whether it allows commercial use or not.
- The use of royalty-free music or other elements should align with their license terms.
- The copyright applies to your original work within the video.
So if I use Imcompetech music in my original videos with crediting for example, I can still include the copyright sign?
Hello Sean,
Yes, you can include the copyright sign. Please bear in mind:
- You must follow Imcompetech's music license terms.
- Your copyright applies to your original content.
- Crediting doesn't affect your copyright.
So with all this I can put this notice on my videos and YouTube channel and say fair use and transformative use is okay?
Hello Sean,
Yes, you can include such a notice. Just remember:
- Fair use and transformative use terms apply.
- Your original content is copyrighted, but the music or other elements are subject to their own license terms.
- Disputes may require legal advice.
What terms?
Hello Sean,
The terms refer to the conditions set by the license of the royalty-free music you're using (like Imcompetech), and the principles of fair use and transformative use under U.S. copyright law. These dictate how your content and the music within it can be used by others.
What
I'm sorry, but your message isn't clear. Could you please provide more details about the legal issue you need help with?
What were we talking about again?
We haven't discussed any specific legal issue yet. How can I assist you today? Are you facing any legal problems or need information about a particular law?
Can I put a copyright mark on my original films and web series videos on YouTube that are made in h.*? YouTube has the license for h.* btw
Yes, you can add a copyright notice to your original content. You own the copyright of your original work, even in h.* format. Remember:
- A copyright notice helps deter infringement.
- It informs others that you hold the copyrights.
- The format of a copyright notice: "© [Year of First Publication] [Owner's Name]. All Rights Reserved."
Please check YouTube's copyright policies for further information.
I don’t have to get this legally setup first?
No, you don't need to legally register your work before putting a copyright notice. As soon as you create your original work, it's automatically protected by copyright. However, registering your copyright can provide additional legal benefits if you face infringement issues.
I’m Sean (lives in US)
Hello, Sean! I'm here to help with your legal concerns. Could you please specify the legal issue you are facing?
I was told that I can copyright my work without registration but also can’t file lawsuits to anyone who infringes my copyright. What can I do to protect my work without registering?
Hello Sean, you're correct. In the US:
- Copyright is automatic upon creation.
- However, registration allows you to file a lawsuit for copyright infringement.
To protect your work without registration, you can:
- Clearly state your copyright.
- Use the copyright symbol ©.
- Monitor and confront infringers informally.
Remember, it's beneficial to register for full protection.
Can I contact YouTube since I upload them there about it?
Yes, Sean. YouTube has a Copyright Complaint Form for reporting copyright infringement. However, keep in mind that YouTube may remove your content if they find it infringes someone else's copyright. It's best to consult with an attorney before taking any steps.
They have a removal request thing too I noticed
Yes, Sean. YouTube's removal request is part of their copyright infringement report process. If you discover someone infringing your copyright, you can submit a request for removal. Do you need guidance on how to submit a request?
Well it didn’t say if it required a registered copyright or content ID claim registered, do you know?
Yes, Sean. YouTube's copyright infringement process does not require a registered copyright. However, to use their Content ID system, you must provide proof of the copyrighted content. This could be a copyright registration or other substantial evidence.
I’m talking about the removal request thing
Yes, Sean. To clarify, are you asking if a registered copyright or content ID claim is necessary to submit a removal request on YouTube?
Yes
In terms of YouTube's removal request, you do not necessarily need a registered copyright or content ID claim. You can file a request if you believe your copyright has been infringed. However, you need to provide evidence supporting your claim. It's recommended to consult a legal advisor before proceeding.
Well if its my original content being entirely copied isn’t that fair enough?
Yes, Sean. If your original content is being copied entirely, that should be sufficient for a removal request. However, remember that the final decision rests with YouTube. It's always advisable to consult with a legal advisor to ensure your rights are protected. Would you like guidance on finding an advisor?
Hopefully I won’t have to since YouTube is in charge of that part
That's true, Sean. YouTube does play a role in copyright enforcement on their platform. But, just to be fully prepared, would you like information on how to find legal advice should you need it in the future?
I can’t afford it so no
I understand your concerns, Sean. In case you need it in the future, there are organizations that provide free or low-cost legal advice. Just remember to protect your work and monitor its use online.