DVD Copyright Warnings

SO..... ??  You have waited while the player fires up and then starts reading the disk.

Then, just when you think you are going to get some entertainment, instead you have to sit through the copyright notices.

You try in vain to fast forward or skip them but you cannot.

So does it need to be there?

Having the copyright notice there increases the damages that can be awarded if you subsequently infringe copyright In the UK you can get what are called 'flagrancy damages' if you knowingly copy something you shouldn't.

Copyright: International validity With regard to the “international” aspect, here are some important points: -the original creation has an automatic right, the copyright, by the mere fact of its existence (if the work is original, the author’s copyright is born on the creation, with no formality).

-The copyright is recognised by the Berne Convention in 164 countries. If the filing party has this right in one of the signatory countries, he will systematically have it in any of the other countries, so he can assert that right. Especially in the case his work is copied. -Consequently, beyond the theoretical aspect of the copyright, there is practice: filing is used to PROVE the right by means of an unchallengeable registration that enables the author to create a probative link between his creation and the date of creation. This is called proof of anteriority, which is essential for asserting the author’s rights, in particular. Copyright: International validity With regard to the “international” aspect, here are some important points: -the original creation has an automatic right, the copyright, by the mere fact of its existence (if the work is original, the author’s copyright is born on the creation, with no formality). -The copyright is recognised by the Berne Convention in 164 countries. If the filing party has this right in one of the signatory countries, he will systematically have it in any of the other countries, so he can assert that right. Especially in the case his work is copied. -Consequently, beyond the theoretical aspect of the copyright, there is practice: filing is used to PROVE the right by means of an unchallengeable registration that enables the author to create a probative link between his creation and the date of creation. This is called proof of anteriority, which is essential for asserting the author’s rights, in particular.

Read more: http://copyright.co.uk/legal-copyright-law.html#ixzz2rFWBOHxz

When in America......

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/investigate/white_collar/ipr/anti-piracy

In Feb. 2004 the FBI released its new official “anti-piracy” logo for use on videos, DVD’s, CD’s, etc.

I would show the logo here but since August 2006, the FBI has only authorized its use by members of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the Business Software Alliance (BSA) and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), subject to each member entering into a formal Uniform Authorization Agreement.

Unauthorised use of the FBI seal, name, and initials are subject to prosecution under Federal Criminal law, including Sections 701, 709, and 712 of Title 18 of the United States Code.

Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.”

The purpose of the APW Seal is to remind media users of the serious consequences of pirating copyrighted works. Use of this seal does not indicate that the FBI has reviewed or validated copyright interests in the particular work and does not provide greater legal protection to the work. It simply serves as a widely recognizable reminder of the FBI’s authority and mission with respect to the protection of intellectual property rights.

Even some releases of American issue releases have the Federal piracy emblem on the DVD Disk itself..

Instructions on how to copyright your DVD in America.

1. • 1
     Direct your browser to the official U.S. Copyright Office website (See resources). Not only can you register your work, but the site also provides vital information regarding your rights of ownership.
   • 2
     Fill out form "CO." This is the form needed to copyright your DVD. A separate form is needed for each DVD. Complete the form online or print the PDF version.
   • 3
     Submit your form. If you submit the form via the Internet, you'll have to mail in a physical copy along with your DVD. Submitting via the Internet will get the process started and will permit you to track your application. Your work is registered from the time you submit your registration. However, it will take up to six months to receive your official copyright certificate via mail.
   • 4
     Pay the fee. The fee is $35 or $50, depending on your registration method. You can copyright as much as you can fit on a DVD for one fee.