© Rgbspace | Dreamstime

No, You Just Can't Copy It!

BY STEVE SHIELDS,
Integrated Formation
Ministries consultant

A common misconception is that “if we’re using it for church, we don’t have to get permission.”

Churches and schools sometimes can reproduce copyrighted hymns or sections of books or texts, or play recorded music or videos. But they are not exempt from copyright laws. Specific copyright and licensing laws govern the use of DVD or videotapes, audio files, and scanned illustrations or books for projection by PowerPoint.

Copyright laws provide guidance for “fair use” of copyrighted media. Criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research may be considered “fair use” of copyrighted materials.

But, the United States Copyright Office warns that “There is no specific number of words, lines, or notes that may safely be taken without permission…. The safest course is always to get permission from the copyright owner before using copyrighted material.”

Before you copy part of a book or music for a class or worship service, or plan to play recorded music or a DVD at church, contact Legal Services at International Headquarters for up-to-date copyright guidelines. Legal Services also can direct you where to get permission for many of the more-common licensing questions in congregational settings.

Integrated Formation Ministries at International Headquarters also is a source for information on these matters.

For more information, visit…
• www.CofChrist.org/legal/copyright.asp
• US Copyright Office: www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html