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Adult Film/Piracy/copyright questions

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Expert: - 1/4/2010


Question
I am writing an e-book on how to start your own adult website, covering everything from production to distribution. I'll sell the book both electronically and on CD-Rom. There are some really great videos on youtube concerning film lighting. I was wondering if it's legal to download those videos and give them away as bonus material? The videos aren't watermarked and there's no copyright symbol in sight. Thanks!

Answer
Chris,

The copyrights to the videos appearing on YouTube are owned by the creators of those videos, and just because they appear on YouTube (or anywhere else on the web) does not grant you the right or license to use them.  You would need an express, written license from the actual producers of those videos in order for you to reproduce them.

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Dan Pepper

Expertise

Lawyer representing adult industry businesses and entertainers, and can answer questions related to:

How to start an adult film business or adult website LEGALLY.

What laws to be concerned about with getting into the adult entertainment industry.

What terms and conditions do you need on your adult website.

How to comply with 18 USC 2257 - the federal record keeping requirements.

What forms and agreements do you need for models and crew.

How to deal with copyright and trademark laws.

Before asking your question, I recommend visiting adultwebsitelawyer.com and requesting a copy of the Top 6 Considerations of Starting an Adult Entertainment Business. You may find your question answered there.

I ALSO DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM MALES INTERESTED IN STARRING IN ADULT FILMS.

Experience

I have been practicing law since 1994, and have represented numerous businesses and entertainers in the adult entertainment industry as the managing member of Pepper Law Group, LLC, at adultwebsitelawyer.com. My firm also operates 2257Sentry, one of the industry's leading 18 USC 2257 custodian record keeping services for producers of adult content.

Organizations
Free Speech Coalition, Frequent speaker at adult industry events including the Internext Expo and Exxxotica New York; interviewed in AVN Online; regular contributor to XBiz World

Publications
XBiz World AVN Online

Education/Credentials
BA in Political Science, JD (law degree)

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