{"ab":false,"abStatus":null,"abTestId":null,"abVariation":false,"abVariationAutomated":false,"absoluteUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/bid/103438/e-o-acquire-proper-permission","afterPostBody":null,"aifeatures":null,"allowedSlugConflict":false,"analytics":null,"analyticsPageId":"137640-103438","analyticsPageType":"blog-post","approvalStatus":null,"archived":false,"archivedAt":0,"archivedInDashboard":false,"areCommentsAllowed":true,"attachedStylesheets":[],"audienceAccess":"PUBLIC","author":null,"authorName":null,"authorUsername":null,"blogAuthor":{"avatar":"","bio":"","cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"cosObjectType":"BLOG_AUTHOR","created":1401901240000,"deletedAt":0,"displayName":"Doran Chandler","email":"lisa@frontrowinsurance.com","facebook":"","fullName":"Doran Chandler","gravatarUrl":"https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/38b9d7dead8246860e510b1560aa6b71","hasSocialProfiles":false,"id":951502273,"label":"Doran Chandler","language":null,"linkedin":"","name":"Doran Chandler","portalId":61352,"slug":"doran-chandler","translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"twitter":"","twitterUsername":"","updated":1401901240000,"userId":null,"username":"lisa@frontrowinsurance.com","website":""},"blogAuthorId":951502273,"blogPostAuthor":{"avatar":"","bio":"","cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"cosObjectType":"BLOG_AUTHOR","created":1401901240000,"deletedAt":0,"displayName":"Doran Chandler","email":"lisa@frontrowinsurance.com","facebook":"","fullName":"Doran Chandler","gravatarUrl":"https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/38b9d7dead8246860e510b1560aa6b71","hasSocialProfiles":false,"id":951502273,"label":"Doran Chandler","language":null,"linkedin":"","name":"Doran Chandler","portalId":61352,"slug":"doran-chandler","translatedFromId":null,"translations":{},"twitter":"","twitterUsername":"","updated":1401901240000,"userId":null,"username":"lisa@frontrowinsurance.com","website":""},"blogPostScheduleTaskUid":null,"blogPublishInstantEmailCampaignId":null,"blogPublishInstantEmailRetryCount":0,"blogPublishInstantEmailTaskUid":"DONE","blogPublishToSocialMediaTask":"DONE","blueprintTypeId":0,"businessUnitId":null,"campaign":null,"campaignName":null,"campaignUtm":null,"category":3,"categoryId":3,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"checkPostLevelAudienceAccessFirst":true,"clonedFrom":null,"composeBody":null,"compositionId":0,"contentAccessRuleIds":[],"contentAccessRuleTypes":[],"contentGroup":952267656,"contentGroupId":952267656,"contentTypeCategory":3,"contentTypeCategoryId":3,"contentTypeId":null,"created":1332280945000,"createdByAgent":null,"createdById":null,"createdTime":1332280945000,"crmObjectId":null,"css":{},"cssText":"","ctaClicks":null,"ctaViews":null,"currentState":"PUBLISHED","currentlyPublished":true,"deletedAt":0,"deletedBy":null,"deletedByEmail":null,"deletedById":null,"domain":"","dynamicPageDataSourceId":null,"dynamicPageDataSourceType":null,"dynamicPageHubDbTableId":null,"enableDomainStylesheets":null,"enableGoogleAmpOutputOverride":false,"enableLayoutStylesheets":null,"errors":[],"featuredImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/images/eando/copyright-forweb.jpg","featuredImageAltText":"E&O Insurance: copyright infringements","featuredImageHeight":400,"featuredImageLength":0,"featuredImageWidth":600,"flexAreas":{},"folderId":null,"footerHtml":"","freezeDate":1663684068000,"generateJsonLdEnabledOverride":true,"hasContentAccessRules":false,"hasUserChanges":true,"headHtml":"<!-- START - Generated by ClassySchema.org on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:22:55 GMT -->\n<script type=\"application/ld+json\">\n{\n\t\"@context\": \"https://schema.org\",\n\t\"@type\": \"VideoObject\",\n\t\"name\": \"How, exactly, should a producer go about obtaining permission from third parties?\",\n\t\"description\": \"Get a quote for film producer's E&O insurance from Front Row: https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/en/sectors/e-o-insuranceNathaniel is a lawyer at Chandler Fog...\",\n\t\"thumbnailUrl\": \"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tz46HcaC2Tk/mqdefault.jpg\",\n\t\"duration\": \"PT2M10S\",\n\t\"contentUrl\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz46HcaC2Tk\",\n\t\"embedUrl\": \"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk\",\n\t\"uploadDate\": \"2022-09-20\",\n\t\"potentialAction\": {\n\t\t\"@type\": \"SeekToAction\",\n\t\t\"target\": \"https://youtu.be/tz46HcaC2Tk?t={seek_to_second_number}\",\n\t\t\"startOffset-input\": \"required name=seek_to_second_number\"\n\t}\n}\n</script>\n<!-- END - Generated by ClassySchema.org-->","header":null,"htmlTitle":"How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright?","id":951502263,"includeDefaultCustomCss":null,"isCaptchaRequired":true,"isCrawlableByBots":false,"isDraft":false,"isInstanceLayoutPage":false,"isInstantEmailEnabled":true,"isPublished":true,"isSocialPublishingEnabled":false,"keywords":[],"label":"<span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_name\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"text\" >How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright?</span>","language":"en","lastEditSessionId":null,"lastEditUpdateId":null,"layoutSections":{},"legacyBlogTabid":137640,"legacyId":103438,"legacyPostGuid":"fcc8294f-c64e-4c74-9ca0-c3bc21cbb74e","linkRelCanonicalUrl":"","listTemplate":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-listing.html","liveDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","mab":false,"mabExperimentId":null,"mabMaster":false,"mabVariant":false,"meta":{"public_access_rules":[],"public_access_rules_enabled":false,"html_title":"How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright?","use_featured_image":true,"post_summary":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n","post_body":"<span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><br>It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by our law office to inquire about “clearing” the film for <a href=\"/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Errors &amp; Omissions insurance coverage</a>. In reviewing the film, we note that the producer filmed copyrighted and trademarked material, but failed to get the necessary permission to include it in the film.</p>\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">E&amp;O insurance policies insure against claims arising from accidentally infringing a copyright or trademark, <a href=\"/articles/invasion-of-privacy-and-false-light\" rel=\"noopener\">invading someone’s privacy</a> or otherwise getting tripped up on someone else’s rights. In order to qualify for E&amp;O coverage, the film in question must be <a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">fully cleared</a> and the producer must acquire all necessary permissions from third parties whose rights might otherwise be infringed. If a film includes material that potentially infringes a third party’s copyright and permission has not been acquired, there are a number of options to consider.</span></p>\n<div class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\">\n<p>First, the film could be edited to remove the offending material. This is only a viable option if time, finances and/or creative willingness permit. Second, there may be an exception allowing the inclusion of certain copyrighted material in the film without permission.</p>\n<p>Likely the most popular excuse for copyright infringements is the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair use</span></a>”. Although referred to regularly in industry reference materials available here in Canada, fair use is a US principle based on the belief that it is not “fair” to find every copying to be a violation of copyright law if such copying was for certain purposes, including criticism or review. (For example, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/power-rangers-and-producers-errors-omissions-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">parody</a>” falls under fair use in the US and has provided many-a-filmmaker with substantial sources of otherwise protected material. Thank you Mel Brooks and Mike Myers!)</p>\n<p>Fair use does <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">not</span> exist in Canada and is often used interchangeably, and often confusingly, with “<a href=\"/articles/fair-use-vs.-fair-dealing\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair dealing</a>”, the concept found in the <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">Canadian Copyright Act</span>. Other than in very clear-cut cases, extreme caution must be used in relying on fair dealing, which is a very limited defense as the use of the material must be for “private study, research, criticism, review or newspaper summary”. Unfortunately, because there are no hard and fast rules available, it is impossible to define what is and is not fair dealing.</p>\n<p>Other than fair dealing, in Canada, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>incidental inclusion</strong></a>” may provide another possible exception to copyright infringement. If the use of copyrighted material is very minor and is incidentally and not deliberately included, (for example, a pre-existing credit card door sticker at a retail location), it is likely that the use will fall within incidental inclusion and will not be considered an infringement. It can become prohibitively expensive and time consuming to clear every protected item in a film, no matter how small the use.</p>\n<p>If E&amp;O insurance is required, and if none of the above options is feasible, in some cases it may be possible to “exclude” the offending material from the E&amp;O insurance policy and effectively assume the risk yourself. (Be aware, however, that these types of exclusions may not be acceptable to broadcasters and distributors.)</p>\n<p>The bottom line? Always, always, always ensure that you acquire all necessary permission to include any protected material in your film before you start shooting.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related Links:</h3>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/errors-omissions-insurance-101\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance 101 &amp; How to Protect Your Film Project</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/eo-what-filmmakers-need-to-know\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: What You Need to Know</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/66030/film-and-tv-producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-cost\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Cost</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-quote-are-you-being-offered-the-right-coverage-for-your-needs\" rel=\" noopener\">Are you paying for the coverage you need?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/24691/steps-to-obtain-errors-and-ommissions-insurance-for-films\" rel=\" noopener\">Steps to Obtain</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/protecting-your-script\" rel=\" noopener\">Producer Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-insurance-best-practices-when-reviewing-scripts\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Reviewing Scripts</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/109689/distributor-s-errors-and-omissions-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Distributor Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-what-is-my-distributor-and-financer-asking-for\" rel=\" noopener\">Documentary E&amp;O Insurance</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/copyright-reports-use-them-to-minimize-the-potential-of-a-producers-eo-claim\" rel=\" noopener\">Copyright Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\" noopener\">How much of your film is copyright-able?</a></p>\n<p>Copyright Infringements</p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-a-composer-avoid-infringement\" rel=\"noopener\">How can a composer or producer avoid copyright infringement for music?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/does-a-film-producer-need-to-obtain-releases-for-photos-from-the-web\" rel=\"noopener\">Does a film producer need to obtain releases for photos from the web?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/10796/title-reports-who-needs-them-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Title Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/26544/script-insurance-clearance-reports-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important\" rel=\" noopener\">Script Clearance Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\" noopener\">Clearance Procedures</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/107141/film-insurance-e-o-claims-made-policies-vs-occurrence-policies\" rel=\" noopener\">Claims Made vs. Occurrence</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\">Fair Use</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/broadcasting-film-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">False Light Accusations</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\" noopener\">The value of a lawyer</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/bid/107690/obtaining-e-o-insurance-for-your-film-production-and-preventing-litigation\" rel=\" noopener\">A production lawyer's guide to obtaining E&amp;O insurance and preventing litigation</a></p>\n</div></span>","rss_summary":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n","rss_body":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><br>It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by our law office to inquire about “clearing” the film for <a href=\"/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Errors &amp; Omissions insurance coverage</a>. In reviewing the film, we note that the producer filmed copyrighted and trademarked material, but failed to get the necessary permission to include it in the film.</p>\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">E&amp;O insurance policies insure against claims arising from accidentally infringing a copyright or trademark, <a href=\"/articles/invasion-of-privacy-and-false-light\" rel=\"noopener\">invading someone’s privacy</a> or otherwise getting tripped up on someone else’s rights. In order to qualify for E&amp;O coverage, the film in question must be <a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">fully cleared</a> and the producer must acquire all necessary permissions from third parties whose rights might otherwise be infringed. If a film includes material that potentially infringes a third party’s copyright and permission has not been acquired, there are a number of options to consider.</span></p>\n<div class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\">\n<p>First, the film could be edited to remove the offending material. This is only a viable option if time, finances and/or creative willingness permit. Second, there may be an exception allowing the inclusion of certain copyrighted material in the film without permission.</p>\n<p>Likely the most popular excuse for copyright infringements is the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair use</span></a>”. Although referred to regularly in industry reference materials available here in Canada, fair use is a US principle based on the belief that it is not “fair” to find every copying to be a violation of copyright law if such copying was for certain purposes, including criticism or review. (For example, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/power-rangers-and-producers-errors-omissions-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">parody</a>” falls under fair use in the US and has provided many-a-filmmaker with substantial sources of otherwise protected material. Thank you Mel Brooks and Mike Myers!)</p>\n<p>Fair use does <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">not</span> exist in Canada and is often used interchangeably, and often confusingly, with “<a href=\"/articles/fair-use-vs.-fair-dealing\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair dealing</a>”, the concept found in the <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">Canadian Copyright Act</span>. Other than in very clear-cut cases, extreme caution must be used in relying on fair dealing, which is a very limited defense as the use of the material must be for “private study, research, criticism, review or newspaper summary”. Unfortunately, because there are no hard and fast rules available, it is impossible to define what is and is not fair dealing.</p>\n<p>Other than fair dealing, in Canada, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>incidental inclusion</strong></a>” may provide another possible exception to copyright infringement. If the use of copyrighted material is very minor and is incidentally and not deliberately included, (for example, a pre-existing credit card door sticker at a retail location), it is likely that the use will fall within incidental inclusion and will not be considered an infringement. It can become prohibitively expensive and time consuming to clear every protected item in a film, no matter how small the use.</p>\n<p>If E&amp;O insurance is required, and if none of the above options is feasible, in some cases it may be possible to “exclude” the offending material from the E&amp;O insurance policy and effectively assume the risk yourself. (Be aware, however, that these types of exclusions may not be acceptable to broadcasters and distributors.)</p>\n<p>The bottom line? Always, always, always ensure that you acquire all necessary permission to include any protected material in your film before you start shooting.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related Links:</h3>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/errors-omissions-insurance-101\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance 101 &amp; How to Protect Your Film Project</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/eo-what-filmmakers-need-to-know\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: What You Need to Know</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/66030/film-and-tv-producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-cost\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Cost</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-quote-are-you-being-offered-the-right-coverage-for-your-needs\" rel=\" noopener\">Are you paying for the coverage you need?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/24691/steps-to-obtain-errors-and-ommissions-insurance-for-films\" rel=\" noopener\">Steps to Obtain</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/protecting-your-script\" rel=\" noopener\">Producer Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-insurance-best-practices-when-reviewing-scripts\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Reviewing Scripts</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/109689/distributor-s-errors-and-omissions-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Distributor Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-what-is-my-distributor-and-financer-asking-for\" rel=\" noopener\">Documentary E&amp;O Insurance</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/copyright-reports-use-them-to-minimize-the-potential-of-a-producers-eo-claim\" rel=\" noopener\">Copyright Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\" noopener\">How much of your film is copyright-able?</a></p>\n<p>Copyright Infringements</p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-a-composer-avoid-infringement\" rel=\"noopener\">How can a composer or producer avoid copyright infringement for music?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/does-a-film-producer-need-to-obtain-releases-for-photos-from-the-web\" rel=\"noopener\">Does a film producer need to obtain releases for photos from the web?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/10796/title-reports-who-needs-them-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Title Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/26544/script-insurance-clearance-reports-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important\" rel=\" noopener\">Script Clearance Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\" noopener\">Clearance Procedures</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/107141/film-insurance-e-o-claims-made-policies-vs-occurrence-policies\" rel=\" noopener\">Claims Made vs. Occurrence</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\">Fair Use</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/broadcasting-film-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">False Light Accusations</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\" noopener\">The value of a lawyer</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/bid/107690/obtaining-e-o-insurance-for-your-film-production-and-preventing-litigation\" rel=\" noopener\">A production lawyer's guide to obtaining E&amp;O insurance and preventing litigation</a></p>\n</div>","tag_ids":[949708904,949708924,949708959,956557650,3018617752,6386637934],"topic_ids":[949708904,949708924,949708959,956557650,3018617752,6386637934],"enable_google_amp_output_override":false,"generate_json_ld_enabled":true,"blog_post_schedule_task_uid":null,"blog_publish_to_social_media_task":"DONE","blog_publish_instant_email_task_uid":"DONE","blog_publish_instant_email_campaign_id":null,"blog_publish_instant_email_retry_count":0,"keywords":[],"composition_id":0,"is_crawlable_by_bots":false,"published_at":1709304413448,"meta_description":"Errors and omissions for films. It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by...","meta_keywords":"E&O, Errors and Omissions coverage for films, Entertainment Insurance Broker, E&O insurance for Films, E&O Insurance, Entertainment Insurance, Canadian Insurance, Canada Film Broker, Canadian Insurance Broker","head_html":"<!-- START - Generated by ClassySchema.org on Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:22:55 GMT -->\n<script type=\"application/ld+json\">\n{\n\t\"@context\": \"https://schema.org\",\n\t\"@type\": \"VideoObject\",\n\t\"name\": \"How, exactly, should a producer go about obtaining permission from third parties?\",\n\t\"description\": \"Get a quote for film producer's E&O insurance from Front Row: https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/en/sectors/e-o-insuranceNathaniel is a lawyer at Chandler Fog...\",\n\t\"thumbnailUrl\": \"https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tz46HcaC2Tk/mqdefault.jpg\",\n\t\"duration\": \"PT2M10S\",\n\t\"contentUrl\": \"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tz46HcaC2Tk\",\n\t\"embedUrl\": \"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk\",\n\t\"uploadDate\": \"2022-09-20\",\n\t\"potentialAction\": {\n\t\t\"@type\": \"SeekToAction\",\n\t\t\"target\": \"https://youtu.be/tz46HcaC2Tk?t={seek_to_second_number}\",\n\t\t\"startOffset-input\": \"required name=seek_to_second_number\"\n\t}\n}\n</script>\n<!-- END - Generated by ClassySchema.org-->","footer_html":"","attached_stylesheets":[],"enable_domain_stylesheets":null,"include_default_custom_css":null,"layout_sections":{},"past_mab_experiment_ids":[],"deleted_by":null,"featured_image_alt_text":"E&O Insurance: copyright infringements","enable_layout_stylesheets":null,"tweet":null,"tweet_at":null,"campaign_name":null,"campaign_utm":null,"tweet_immediately":false,"publish_immediately":true,"security_state":"NONE","scheduled_update_date":0,"placement_guids":[],"property_for_dynamic_page_title":null,"property_for_dynamic_page_slug":null,"property_for_dynamic_page_meta_description":null,"property_for_dynamic_page_featured_image":null,"property_for_dynamic_page_canonical_url":null,"preview_image_src":null,"legacy_blog_tabid":137640,"legacy_post_guid":"fcc8294f-c64e-4c74-9ca0-c3bc21cbb74e","performable_variation_letter":null,"style_override_id":null,"has_user_changes":true,"css":{},"css_text":"","unpublished_at":1663684060547,"published_by_id":7915797,"allowed_slug_conflict":false,"ai_features":null,"link_rel_canonical_url":"","page_redirected":false,"page_expiry_enabled":null,"page_expiry_date":null,"page_expiry_redirect_id":null,"page_expiry_redirect_url":null,"deleted_by_id":null,"state_when_deleted":null,"cloned_from":null,"staged_from":null,"personas":[],"compose_body":null,"featured_image":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/images/eando/copyright-forweb.jpg","featured_image_width":600,"featured_image_height":400,"publish_timezone_offset":null,"theme_settings_values":null,"password":null,"header":null,"last_edit_session_id":null,"last_edit_update_id":null,"created_by_agent":null},"metaDescription":"Errors and omissions for films. It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by...","metaKeywords":"E&O, Errors and Omissions coverage for films, Entertainment Insurance Broker, E&O insurance for Films, E&O Insurance, Entertainment Insurance, Canadian Insurance, Canada Film Broker, Canadian Insurance Broker","name":"<span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_name\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"text\" >How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright?</span>","nextPostFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/idea-copyright-shutterstock_1950564259-forweb600.jpg","nextPostFeaturedImageAltText":"Can an idea be copyrighted?","nextPostName":"Can an Idea be Copyrighted? | Film Producer's E&O Insurance","nextPostSlug":"articles/can-an-idea-be-copyrighted","pageExpiryDate":null,"pageExpiryEnabled":null,"pageExpiryRedirectId":null,"pageExpiryRedirectUrl":null,"pageRedirected":false,"pageTitle":"How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright?","parentBlog":{"absoluteUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","allowComments":true,"ampBodyColor":"#404040","ampBodyFont":"'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif","ampBodyFontSize":"18","ampCustomCss":"","ampHeaderBackgroundColor":"#ffffff","ampHeaderColor":"#1e1e1e","ampHeaderFont":"'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif","ampHeaderFontSize":"36","ampLinkColor":"#416bb3","ampLogoAlt":"Front Row Insurance logo","ampLogoHeight":63,"ampLogoSrc":"https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/61352/front-row-logo.png","ampLogoWidth":175,"analyticsPageId":137640,"attachedStylesheets":[],"audienceAccess":"PUBLIC","businessUnitId":null,"captchaAfterDays":7,"captchaAlways":false,"categoryId":3,"cdnPurgeEmbargoTime":null,"closeCommentsOlder":0,"commentDateFormat":"medium","commentFormGuid":"7a447743-bbf2-4b55-a759-b405bf392a7d","commentMaxThreadDepth":3,"commentModeration":true,"commentNotificationEmails":["mike@frontrowinsurance.com","grant@frontrowinsurance.com"],"commentShouldCreateContact":true,"commentVerificationText":"","cosObjectType":"BLOG","created":1401900293000,"createdDateTime":1401900293000,"dailyNotificationEmailId":"952268096","dateFormattingLanguage":"en_US","defaultGroupStyleId":"","defaultNotificationFromName":"","defaultNotificationReplyTo":"","deletedAt":0,"description":"The Front Row Insurance Blog where you can learn and converse about all things entertainment insurance related.","domain":"","domainWhenPublished":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","emailApiSubscriptionId":283237,"enableGoogleAmpOutput":true,"enableSocialAutoPublishing":false,"generateJsonLdEnabled":false,"header":null,"htmlFooter":"<!-- DELTA-->","htmlFooterIsShared":false,"htmlHead":"<!-- Blog Schema by Front Row Insurance // https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/ -->\n\n<script type=\"application/ld+json\">\n {\n \"@context\": \"http://schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n \"mainEntityOfPage\":{\n \"@type\":\"WebPage\",\n \"@id\":\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/bid/103438/e-o-acquire-proper-permission\"\n },\n \"headline\": \"How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright?\",\n \"image\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/images/eando/copyright-forweb.jpg\"\n },\n \"datePublished\": \"2022-09-20 14:27:48\",\n \"dateModified\": \"\",\n \"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"') }}\"\n },\n \"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FRONT ROW INSURANCE BROKERS\",\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/61352/images/Logos/FR_logo_%5BConverted,-Inverted%5D.png\"\n }\n },\n \"description\": \"Errors and omissions for films. It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by...\"\n }\n </script>\n <!-- End Schema --> \n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n window._mNHandle = window._mNHandle || {};\n window._mNHandle.queue = window._mNHandle.queue || [];\n medianet_versionId = \"3121199\";\n</script>\n<script src=\"https://contextual.media.net/dmedianet.js?cid=8CU76IWTZ\" async=\"async\"></script>","htmlHeadIsShared":true,"htmlKeywords":["Front Row Insurance Blog"," entertainment blog"," film blog"," film insurance"," event insurance"," film festival blog"," production blog"," musicians blog"," "],"htmlTitle":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","id":952267656,"ilsSubscriptionListsByType":{"daily":443,"instant":442,"monthly":441,"weekly":444},"instantNotificationEmailId":"952268061","itemLayoutId":null,"itemTemplateIsShared":false,"itemTemplatePath":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-post.html","label":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","language":"en","legacyGuid":"469ce2ec-4dd9-442d-984a-3bab2557a02f","legacyModuleId":"164112","legacyTabId":137640,"listingLayoutId":null,"listingPageId":70026589976,"listingTemplatePath":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-listing.html","liveDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","monthFilterFormat":"MMMM yyyy","monthlyNotificationEmailId":"952267981","name":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","parentBlogUpdateTaskId":null,"portalId":61352,"postHtmlFooter":"<!-- OMEGA-->","postHtmlHead":"<!-- Blog Schema by Front Row Insurance // https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/ -->\n\n<script type=\"application/ld+json\">\n {\n \"@context\": \"http://schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"BlogPosting\",\n \"mainEntityOfPage\":{\n \"@type\":\"WebPage\",\n \"@id\":\"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/bid/103438/e-o-acquire-proper-permission\"\n },\n \"headline\": \"How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright?\",\n \"image\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/images/eando/copyright-forweb.jpg\"\n },\n \"datePublished\": \"2022-09-20 14:27:48\",\n \"dateModified\": \"\",\n \"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"') }}\"\n },\n \"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"FRONT ROW INSURANCE BROKERS\",\n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/61352/images/Logos/FR_logo_%5BConverted,-Inverted%5D.png\"\n }\n },\n \"description\": \"Errors and omissions for films. It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by...\"\n }\n </script>\n <!-- End Schema --> \n<script type=\"text/javascript\">\n window._mNHandle = window._mNHandle || {};\n window._mNHandle.queue = window._mNHandle.queue || [];\n medianet_versionId = \"3121199\";\n</script>\n<script src=\"https://contextual.media.net/dmedianet.js?cid=8CU76IWTZ\" async=\"async\"></script>","postsPerListingPage":10,"postsPerRssFeed":10,"publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"publicTitle":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","publishDateFormat":"medium","resolvedDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","rootUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","rssCustomFeed":"","rssDescription":"RSS feeds for ","rssItemFooter":"<IMG style=\"WIDTH: 144px; HEIGHT: 78px\" title=\"\" border=0 alt=\"\" align=center src=\"http://focusinsurance.web6.hubspot.com/Portals/61352/images//logo_final.jpg\" width=138 height=78 mce_src=\"/Portals/61352/images//logo_final.jpg\">","rssItemHeader":"","settingsOverrides":{"itemLayoutId":false,"itemTemplatePath":false,"itemTemplateIsShared":false,"listingLayoutId":false,"listingTemplatePath":false,"postsPerListingPage":false,"showSummaryInListing":false,"useFeaturedImageInSummary":false,"htmlHead":false,"postHtmlHead":false,"htmlHeadIsShared":false,"htmlFooter":false,"listingPageHtmlFooter":false,"postHtmlFooter":false,"htmlFooterIsShared":false,"attachedStylesheets":false,"postsPerRssFeed":false,"showSummaryInRss":false,"showSummaryInEmails":false,"showSummariesInEmails":false,"allowComments":false,"commentShouldCreateContact":false,"commentModeration":false,"closeCommentsOlder":false,"commentNotificationEmails":false,"commentMaxThreadDepth":false,"commentVerificationText":false,"socialAccountTwitter":false,"showSocialLinkTwitter":false,"showSocialLinkLinkedin":false,"showSocialLinkFacebook":false,"enableGoogleAmpOutput":false,"ampLogoSrc":false,"ampLogoHeight":false,"ampLogoWidth":false,"ampLogoAlt":false,"ampHeaderFont":false,"ampHeaderFontSize":false,"ampHeaderColor":false,"ampHeaderBackgroundColor":false,"ampBodyFont":false,"ampBodyFontSize":false,"ampBodyColor":false,"ampLinkColor":false,"generateJsonLdEnabled":false},"showSocialLinkFacebook":true,"showSocialLinkLinkedin":true,"showSocialLinkTwitter":true,"showSummaryInEmails":true,"showSummaryInListing":false,"showSummaryInRss":true,"siteId":0,"slug":"articles","socialAccountTwitter":"","state":null,"subscriptionContactsProperty":"blog_blog_the_front_row_view_subscription","subscriptionEmailType":null,"subscriptionFormGuid":"a2c254df-2214-4c54-bd51-46da1e3029fb","subscriptionListsByType":{"daily":12,"instant":11,"monthly":10,"weekly":13},"title":null,"translatedFromId":null,"translations":{"fr":{"absoluteUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/fr/blogue","id":2471031463,"language":"fr","masterId":952267656,"name":"The Front Row View (entertainment insurance blog)","publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"slug":"fr/blogue"}},"updated":1693318083281,"updatedDateTime":1693318083281,"urlBase":"www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles","urlSegments":{},"useFeaturedImageInSummary":true,"usesDefaultTemplate":false,"weeklyNotificationEmailId":"952268106"},"password":null,"pastMabExperimentIds":[],"performableGuid":"","performableVariationLetter":null,"personas":[],"placementGuids":[],"portableKey":null,"portalId":61352,"position":null,"postBody":"<span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><br>It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by our law office to inquire about “clearing” the film for <a href=\"/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Errors &amp; Omissions insurance coverage</a>. In reviewing the film, we note that the producer filmed copyrighted and trademarked material, but failed to get the necessary permission to include it in the film.</p>\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">E&amp;O insurance policies insure against claims arising from accidentally infringing a copyright or trademark, <a href=\"/articles/invasion-of-privacy-and-false-light\" rel=\"noopener\">invading someone’s privacy</a> or otherwise getting tripped up on someone else’s rights. In order to qualify for E&amp;O coverage, the film in question must be <a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">fully cleared</a> and the producer must acquire all necessary permissions from third parties whose rights might otherwise be infringed. If a film includes material that potentially infringes a third party’s copyright and permission has not been acquired, there are a number of options to consider.</span></p>\n<div class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\">\n<p>First, the film could be edited to remove the offending material. This is only a viable option if time, finances and/or creative willingness permit. Second, there may be an exception allowing the inclusion of certain copyrighted material in the film without permission.</p>\n<p>Likely the most popular excuse for copyright infringements is the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair use</span></a>”. Although referred to regularly in industry reference materials available here in Canada, fair use is a US principle based on the belief that it is not “fair” to find every copying to be a violation of copyright law if such copying was for certain purposes, including criticism or review. (For example, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/power-rangers-and-producers-errors-omissions-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">parody</a>” falls under fair use in the US and has provided many-a-filmmaker with substantial sources of otherwise protected material. Thank you Mel Brooks and Mike Myers!)</p>\n<p>Fair use does <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">not</span> exist in Canada and is often used interchangeably, and often confusingly, with “<a href=\"/articles/fair-use-vs.-fair-dealing\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair dealing</a>”, the concept found in the <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">Canadian Copyright Act</span>. Other than in very clear-cut cases, extreme caution must be used in relying on fair dealing, which is a very limited defense as the use of the material must be for “private study, research, criticism, review or newspaper summary”. Unfortunately, because there are no hard and fast rules available, it is impossible to define what is and is not fair dealing.</p>\n<p>Other than fair dealing, in Canada, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>incidental inclusion</strong></a>” may provide another possible exception to copyright infringement. If the use of copyrighted material is very minor and is incidentally and not deliberately included, (for example, a pre-existing credit card door sticker at a retail location), it is likely that the use will fall within incidental inclusion and will not be considered an infringement. It can become prohibitively expensive and time consuming to clear every protected item in a film, no matter how small the use.</p>\n<p>If E&amp;O insurance is required, and if none of the above options is feasible, in some cases it may be possible to “exclude” the offending material from the E&amp;O insurance policy and effectively assume the risk yourself. (Be aware, however, that these types of exclusions may not be acceptable to broadcasters and distributors.)</p>\n<p>The bottom line? Always, always, always ensure that you acquire all necessary permission to include any protected material in your film before you start shooting.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related Links:</h3>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/errors-omissions-insurance-101\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance 101 &amp; How to Protect Your Film Project</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/eo-what-filmmakers-need-to-know\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: What You Need to Know</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/66030/film-and-tv-producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-cost\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Cost</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-quote-are-you-being-offered-the-right-coverage-for-your-needs\" rel=\" noopener\">Are you paying for the coverage you need?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/24691/steps-to-obtain-errors-and-ommissions-insurance-for-films\" rel=\" noopener\">Steps to Obtain</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/protecting-your-script\" rel=\" noopener\">Producer Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-insurance-best-practices-when-reviewing-scripts\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Reviewing Scripts</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/109689/distributor-s-errors-and-omissions-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Distributor Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-what-is-my-distributor-and-financer-asking-for\" rel=\" noopener\">Documentary E&amp;O Insurance</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/copyright-reports-use-them-to-minimize-the-potential-of-a-producers-eo-claim\" rel=\" noopener\">Copyright Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\" noopener\">How much of your film is copyright-able?</a></p>\n<p>Copyright Infringements</p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-a-composer-avoid-infringement\" rel=\"noopener\">How can a composer or producer avoid copyright infringement for music?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/does-a-film-producer-need-to-obtain-releases-for-photos-from-the-web\" rel=\"noopener\">Does a film producer need to obtain releases for photos from the web?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/10796/title-reports-who-needs-them-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Title Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/26544/script-insurance-clearance-reports-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important\" rel=\" noopener\">Script Clearance Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\" noopener\">Clearance Procedures</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/107141/film-insurance-e-o-claims-made-policies-vs-occurrence-policies\" rel=\" noopener\">Claims Made vs. Occurrence</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\">Fair Use</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/broadcasting-film-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">False Light Accusations</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\" noopener\">The value of a lawyer</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/bid/107690/obtaining-e-o-insurance-for-your-film-production-and-preventing-litigation\" rel=\" noopener\">A production lawyer's guide to obtaining E&amp;O insurance and preventing litigation</a></p>\n</div></span>","postBodyRss":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><br>It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by our law office to inquire about “clearing” the film for <a href=\"/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Errors &amp; Omissions insurance coverage</a>. In reviewing the film, we note that the producer filmed copyrighted and trademarked material, but failed to get the necessary permission to include it in the film.</p>\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">E&amp;O insurance policies insure against claims arising from accidentally infringing a copyright or trademark, <a href=\"/articles/invasion-of-privacy-and-false-light\" rel=\"noopener\">invading someone’s privacy</a> or otherwise getting tripped up on someone else’s rights. In order to qualify for E&amp;O coverage, the film in question must be <a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">fully cleared</a> and the producer must acquire all necessary permissions from third parties whose rights might otherwise be infringed. If a film includes material that potentially infringes a third party’s copyright and permission has not been acquired, there are a number of options to consider.</span></p>\n<div class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\">\n<p>First, the film could be edited to remove the offending material. This is only a viable option if time, finances and/or creative willingness permit. Second, there may be an exception allowing the inclusion of certain copyrighted material in the film without permission.</p>\n<p>Likely the most popular excuse for copyright infringements is the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair use</span></a>”. Although referred to regularly in industry reference materials available here in Canada, fair use is a US principle based on the belief that it is not “fair” to find every copying to be a violation of copyright law if such copying was for certain purposes, including criticism or review. (For example, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/power-rangers-and-producers-errors-omissions-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">parody</a>” falls under fair use in the US and has provided many-a-filmmaker with substantial sources of otherwise protected material. Thank you Mel Brooks and Mike Myers!)</p>\n<p>Fair use does <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">not</span> exist in Canada and is often used interchangeably, and often confusingly, with “<a href=\"/articles/fair-use-vs.-fair-dealing\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair dealing</a>”, the concept found in the <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">Canadian Copyright Act</span>. Other than in very clear-cut cases, extreme caution must be used in relying on fair dealing, which is a very limited defense as the use of the material must be for “private study, research, criticism, review or newspaper summary”. Unfortunately, because there are no hard and fast rules available, it is impossible to define what is and is not fair dealing.</p>\n<p>Other than fair dealing, in Canada, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>incidental inclusion</strong></a>” may provide another possible exception to copyright infringement. If the use of copyrighted material is very minor and is incidentally and not deliberately included, (for example, a pre-existing credit card door sticker at a retail location), it is likely that the use will fall within incidental inclusion and will not be considered an infringement. It can become prohibitively expensive and time consuming to clear every protected item in a film, no matter how small the use.</p>\n<p>If E&amp;O insurance is required, and if none of the above options is feasible, in some cases it may be possible to “exclude” the offending material from the E&amp;O insurance policy and effectively assume the risk yourself. (Be aware, however, that these types of exclusions may not be acceptable to broadcasters and distributors.)</p>\n<p>The bottom line? Always, always, always ensure that you acquire all necessary permission to include any protected material in your film before you start shooting.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related Links:</h3>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/errors-omissions-insurance-101\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance 101 &amp; How to Protect Your Film Project</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/eo-what-filmmakers-need-to-know\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: What You Need to Know</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/66030/film-and-tv-producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-cost\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Cost</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-quote-are-you-being-offered-the-right-coverage-for-your-needs\" rel=\" noopener\">Are you paying for the coverage you need?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/24691/steps-to-obtain-errors-and-ommissions-insurance-for-films\" rel=\" noopener\">Steps to Obtain</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/protecting-your-script\" rel=\" noopener\">Producer Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-insurance-best-practices-when-reviewing-scripts\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Reviewing Scripts</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/109689/distributor-s-errors-and-omissions-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Distributor Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-what-is-my-distributor-and-financer-asking-for\" rel=\" noopener\">Documentary E&amp;O Insurance</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/copyright-reports-use-them-to-minimize-the-potential-of-a-producers-eo-claim\" rel=\" noopener\">Copyright Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\" noopener\">How much of your film is copyright-able?</a></p>\n<p>Copyright Infringements</p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-a-composer-avoid-infringement\" rel=\"noopener\">How can a composer or producer avoid copyright infringement for music?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/does-a-film-producer-need-to-obtain-releases-for-photos-from-the-web\" rel=\"noopener\">Does a film producer need to obtain releases for photos from the web?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/10796/title-reports-who-needs-them-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Title Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/26544/script-insurance-clearance-reports-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important\" rel=\" noopener\">Script Clearance Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\" noopener\">Clearance Procedures</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/107141/film-insurance-e-o-claims-made-policies-vs-occurrence-policies\" rel=\" noopener\">Claims Made vs. Occurrence</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\">Fair Use</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/broadcasting-film-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">False Light Accusations</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\" noopener\">The value of a lawyer</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/bid/107690/obtaining-e-o-insurance-for-your-film-production-and-preventing-litigation\" rel=\" noopener\">A production lawyer's guide to obtaining E&amp;O insurance and preventing litigation</a></p>\n</div>","postEmailContent":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2> \n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\"> \n <div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\">\n <iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe>\n </div> \n</div>","postFeaturedImageIfEnabled":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/images/eando/copyright-forweb.jpg","postListContent":"<span id=\"hs_cos_wrapper_post_body\" class=\"hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text\" style=\"\" data-hs-cos-general-type=\"meta_field\" data-hs-cos-type=\"rich_text\" ><h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><br>It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by our law office to inquire about “clearing” the film for <a href=\"/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Errors &amp; Omissions insurance coverage</a>. In reviewing the film, we note that the producer filmed copyrighted and trademarked material, but failed to get the necessary permission to include it in the film.</p>\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">E&amp;O insurance policies insure against claims arising from accidentally infringing a copyright or trademark, <a href=\"/articles/invasion-of-privacy-and-false-light\" rel=\"noopener\">invading someone’s privacy</a> or otherwise getting tripped up on someone else’s rights. In order to qualify for E&amp;O coverage, the film in question must be <a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">fully cleared</a> and the producer must acquire all necessary permissions from third parties whose rights might otherwise be infringed. If a film includes material that potentially infringes a third party’s copyright and permission has not been acquired, there are a number of options to consider.</span></p>\n<div class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\">\n<p>First, the film could be edited to remove the offending material. This is only a viable option if time, finances and/or creative willingness permit. Second, there may be an exception allowing the inclusion of certain copyrighted material in the film without permission.</p>\n<p>Likely the most popular excuse for copyright infringements is the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair use</span></a>”. Although referred to regularly in industry reference materials available here in Canada, fair use is a US principle based on the belief that it is not “fair” to find every copying to be a violation of copyright law if such copying was for certain purposes, including criticism or review. (For example, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/power-rangers-and-producers-errors-omissions-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">parody</a>” falls under fair use in the US and has provided many-a-filmmaker with substantial sources of otherwise protected material. Thank you Mel Brooks and Mike Myers!)</p>\n<p>Fair use does <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">not</span> exist in Canada and is often used interchangeably, and often confusingly, with “<a href=\"/articles/fair-use-vs.-fair-dealing\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair dealing</a>”, the concept found in the <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">Canadian Copyright Act</span>. Other than in very clear-cut cases, extreme caution must be used in relying on fair dealing, which is a very limited defense as the use of the material must be for “private study, research, criticism, review or newspaper summary”. Unfortunately, because there are no hard and fast rules available, it is impossible to define what is and is not fair dealing.</p>\n<p>Other than fair dealing, in Canada, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>incidental inclusion</strong></a>” may provide another possible exception to copyright infringement. If the use of copyrighted material is very minor and is incidentally and not deliberately included, (for example, a pre-existing credit card door sticker at a retail location), it is likely that the use will fall within incidental inclusion and will not be considered an infringement. It can become prohibitively expensive and time consuming to clear every protected item in a film, no matter how small the use.</p>\n<p>If E&amp;O insurance is required, and if none of the above options is feasible, in some cases it may be possible to “exclude” the offending material from the E&amp;O insurance policy and effectively assume the risk yourself. (Be aware, however, that these types of exclusions may not be acceptable to broadcasters and distributors.)</p>\n<p>The bottom line? Always, always, always ensure that you acquire all necessary permission to include any protected material in your film before you start shooting.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related Links:</h3>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/errors-omissions-insurance-101\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance 101 &amp; How to Protect Your Film Project</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/eo-what-filmmakers-need-to-know\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: What You Need to Know</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/66030/film-and-tv-producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-cost\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Cost</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-quote-are-you-being-offered-the-right-coverage-for-your-needs\" rel=\" noopener\">Are you paying for the coverage you need?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/24691/steps-to-obtain-errors-and-ommissions-insurance-for-films\" rel=\" noopener\">Steps to Obtain</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/protecting-your-script\" rel=\" noopener\">Producer Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-insurance-best-practices-when-reviewing-scripts\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Reviewing Scripts</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/109689/distributor-s-errors-and-omissions-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Distributor Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-what-is-my-distributor-and-financer-asking-for\" rel=\" noopener\">Documentary E&amp;O Insurance</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/copyright-reports-use-them-to-minimize-the-potential-of-a-producers-eo-claim\" rel=\" noopener\">Copyright Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\" noopener\">How much of your film is copyright-able?</a></p>\n<p>Copyright Infringements</p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-a-composer-avoid-infringement\" rel=\"noopener\">How can a composer or producer avoid copyright infringement for music?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/does-a-film-producer-need-to-obtain-releases-for-photos-from-the-web\" rel=\"noopener\">Does a film producer need to obtain releases for photos from the web?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/10796/title-reports-who-needs-them-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Title Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/26544/script-insurance-clearance-reports-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important\" rel=\" noopener\">Script Clearance Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\" noopener\">Clearance Procedures</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/107141/film-insurance-e-o-claims-made-policies-vs-occurrence-policies\" rel=\" noopener\">Claims Made vs. Occurrence</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\">Fair Use</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/broadcasting-film-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">False Light Accusations</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\" noopener\">The value of a lawyer</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/bid/107690/obtaining-e-o-insurance-for-your-film-production-and-preventing-litigation\" rel=\" noopener\">A production lawyer's guide to obtaining E&amp;O insurance and preventing litigation</a></p>\n</div></span>","postListSummaryFeaturedImage":"","postRssContent":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2> \n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\"> \n <div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\">\n <iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe>\n </div> \n</div>","postRssSummaryFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/images/eando/copyright-forweb.jpg","postSummary":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n","postSummaryRss":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2> \n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\"> \n <div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\">\n <iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe>\n </div> \n</div>","postTemplate":"prox_frontrow/templates/blog/blog-post.html","previewImageSrc":null,"previewKey":"-Nf-5jK8","previousPostFeaturedImage":"https://61352.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/61352/blog-image-uploads/Canadian%20Made/Cad-made-screenshot-600.jpg","previousPostFeaturedImageAltText":"How does a specialized film insurance broker compare to general insurance brokers?","previousPostName":"How does a specialized film insurance broker compare to general insurance brokers?","previousPostSlug":"articles/specialized-film-insurance-broker","processingStatus":"PUBLISHED","propertyForDynamicPageCanonicalUrl":null,"propertyForDynamicPageFeaturedImage":null,"propertyForDynamicPageMetaDescription":null,"propertyForDynamicPageSlug":null,"propertyForDynamicPageTitle":null,"publicAccessRules":[],"publicAccessRulesEnabled":false,"publishDate":1663684068000,"publishDateLocalTime":1663684068000,"publishDateLocalized":{"date":1663684068000,"format":"medium","language":"en_US"},"publishImmediately":true,"publishTimezoneOffset":null,"publishedAt":1709304413448,"publishedByEmail":null,"publishedById":7915797,"publishedByName":null,"publishedUrl":"https://www.frontrowinsurance.com/articles/bid/103438/e-o-acquire-proper-permission","resolvedDomain":"www.frontrowinsurance.com","resolvedLanguage":null,"rssBody":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen data-service=\"youtube\"></iframe></div>\n</div>\n<!--more-->\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><br>It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by our law office to inquire about “clearing” the film for <a href=\"/sectors/e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Errors &amp; Omissions insurance coverage</a>. In reviewing the film, we note that the producer filmed copyrighted and trademarked material, but failed to get the necessary permission to include it in the film.</p>\n<p class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\"><span style=\"background-color: transparent;\">E&amp;O insurance policies insure against claims arising from accidentally infringing a copyright or trademark, <a href=\"/articles/invasion-of-privacy-and-false-light\" rel=\"noopener\">invading someone’s privacy</a> or otherwise getting tripped up on someone else’s rights. In order to qualify for E&amp;O coverage, the film in question must be <a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\"noopener\">fully cleared</a> and the producer must acquire all necessary permissions from third parties whose rights might otherwise be infringed. If a film includes material that potentially infringes a third party’s copyright and permission has not been acquired, there are a number of options to consider.</span></p>\n<div class=\"hs-migrated-cms-post\">\n<p>First, the film could be edited to remove the offending material. This is only a viable option if time, finances and/or creative willingness permit. Second, there may be an exception allowing the inclusion of certain copyrighted material in the film without permission.</p>\n<p>Likely the most popular excuse for copyright infringements is the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair use</span></a>”. Although referred to regularly in industry reference materials available here in Canada, fair use is a US principle based on the belief that it is not “fair” to find every copying to be a violation of copyright law if such copying was for certain purposes, including criticism or review. (For example, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/power-rangers-and-producers-errors-omissions-insurance\" rel=\"noopener\">parody</a>” falls under fair use in the US and has provided many-a-filmmaker with substantial sources of otherwise protected material. Thank you Mel Brooks and Mike Myers!)</p>\n<p>Fair use does <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">not</span> exist in Canada and is often used interchangeably, and often confusingly, with “<a href=\"/articles/fair-use-vs.-fair-dealing\" rel=\" noopener\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">fair dealing</a>”, the concept found in the <span style=\"font-style: italic;\">Canadian Copyright Act</span>. Other than in very clear-cut cases, extreme caution must be used in relying on fair dealing, which is a very limited defense as the use of the material must be for “private study, research, criticism, review or newspaper summary”. Unfortunately, because there are no hard and fast rules available, it is impossible to define what is and is not fair dealing.</p>\n<p>Other than fair dealing, in Canada, the concept of “<a href=\"/articles/what-is-incidental-inclusion\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>incidental inclusion</strong></a>” may provide another possible exception to copyright infringement. If the use of copyrighted material is very minor and is incidentally and not deliberately included, (for example, a pre-existing credit card door sticker at a retail location), it is likely that the use will fall within incidental inclusion and will not be considered an infringement. It can become prohibitively expensive and time consuming to clear every protected item in a film, no matter how small the use.</p>\n<p>If E&amp;O insurance is required, and if none of the above options is feasible, in some cases it may be possible to “exclude” the offending material from the E&amp;O insurance policy and effectively assume the risk yourself. (Be aware, however, that these types of exclusions may not be acceptable to broadcasters and distributors.)</p>\n<p>The bottom line? Always, always, always ensure that you acquire all necessary permission to include any protected material in your film before you start shooting.</p>\n<p>&nbsp;</p>\n<h3>Related Links:</h3>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-you-make-a-film-like-the-social-network-without-getting-permission-from-mark-zuckerberg\" rel=\"noopener\">The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/errors-omissions-insurance-101\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O Insurance 101 &amp; How to Protect Your Film Project</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/eo-what-filmmakers-need-to-know\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: What You Need to Know</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/66030/film-and-tv-producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-cost\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Cost</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-errors-and-omissions-insurance-quote-are-you-being-offered-the-right-coverage-for-your-needs\" rel=\" noopener\">Are you paying for the coverage you need?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/24691/steps-to-obtain-errors-and-ommissions-insurance-for-films\" rel=\" noopener\">Steps to Obtain</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/protecting-your-script\" rel=\" noopener\">Producer Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-insurance-best-practices-when-reviewing-scripts\" rel=\" noopener\">E&amp;O: Reviewing Scripts</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/109689/distributor-s-errors-and-omissions-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Distributor Errors and Omissions</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/producers-eo-what-is-my-distributor-and-financer-asking-for\" rel=\" noopener\">Documentary E&amp;O Insurance</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/copyright-reports-use-them-to-minimize-the-potential-of-a-producers-eo-claim\" rel=\" noopener\">Copyright Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102723/e-o-insurance-how-much-of-your-productions-format-is-copyright-able\" rel=\" noopener\">How much of your film is copyright-able?</a></p>\n<p>Copyright Infringements</p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/how-can-a-composer-avoid-infringement\" rel=\"noopener\">How can a composer or producer avoid copyright infringement for music?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/does-a-film-producer-need-to-obtain-releases-for-photos-from-the-web\" rel=\"noopener\">Does a film producer need to obtain releases for photos from the web?</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/10796/title-reports-who-needs-them-e-o-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">Title Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/26544/script-insurance-clearance-reports-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-important\" rel=\" noopener\">Script Clearance Reports</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/27709/film-eo-insurance-clearances-procedures-for-film-producers-part-1-of-3\" rel=\" noopener\">Clearance Procedures</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/107141/film-insurance-e-o-claims-made-policies-vs-occurrence-policies\" rel=\" noopener\">Claims Made vs. Occurrence</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/filmmakers-insurance-part-i\" rel=\" noopener\">Fair Use</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/broadcasting-film-insurance\" rel=\" noopener\">False Light Accusations</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/articles/bid/102480/eo-insurance-for-film-and-tv-the-value-of-a-lawyer\" rel=\" noopener\">The value of a lawyer</a></p>\n<p><a href=\"/articles/bid/107690/obtaining-e-o-insurance-for-your-film-production-and-preventing-litigation\" rel=\" noopener\">A production lawyer's guide to obtaining E&amp;O insurance and preventing litigation</a></p>\n</div>","rssSummary":"<h2 style=\"font-size: 36px;\">How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.</h2>\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-wrapper hs-responsive-embed\" style=\"width: 100%; height: auto; position: relative; overflow: hidden; padding: 0; max-width: 560px; max-height: 315px; min-width: 256px; margin: 0px auto; display: block;\">\n<div class=\"hs-responsive-embed-inner-wrapper\" style=\"position: relative; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; padding-bottom: 56.25%; margin: 0;\"><iframe class=\"hs-responsive-embed-iframe\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: none;\" title=\"YouTube video player\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" xml=\"lang\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/tz46HcaC2Tk?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen 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How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright?

E&O Insurance: copyright infringements

How can a film producer obtain permission to use content protected by copyright? A lawyer explains.


It happens more often than you might expect: a producer completes a film, locks picture, makes a sale, and then drops by our law office to inquire about “clearing” the film for Errors & Omissions insurance coverage. In reviewing the film, we note that the producer filmed copyrighted and trademarked material, but failed to get the necessary permission to include it in the film.

E&O insurance policies insure against claims arising from accidentally infringing a copyright or trademark, invading someone’s privacy or otherwise getting tripped up on someone else’s rights. In order to qualify for E&O coverage, the film in question must be fully cleared and the producer must acquire all necessary permissions from third parties whose rights might otherwise be infringed. If a film includes material that potentially infringes a third party’s copyright and permission has not been acquired, there are a number of options to consider.

First, the film could be edited to remove the offending material. This is only a viable option if time, finances and/or creative willingness permit. Second, there may be an exception allowing the inclusion of certain copyrighted material in the film without permission.

Likely the most popular excuse for copyright infringements is the concept of “fair use”. Although referred to regularly in industry reference materials available here in Canada, fair use is a US principle based on the belief that it is not “fair” to find every copying to be a violation of copyright law if such copying was for certain purposes, including criticism or review. (For example, the concept of “parody” falls under fair use in the US and has provided many-a-filmmaker with substantial sources of otherwise protected material. Thank you Mel Brooks and Mike Myers!)

Fair use does not exist in Canada and is often used interchangeably, and often confusingly, with “fair dealing”, the concept found in the Canadian Copyright Act. Other than in very clear-cut cases, extreme caution must be used in relying on fair dealing, which is a very limited defense as the use of the material must be for “private study, research, criticism, review or newspaper summary”. Unfortunately, because there are no hard and fast rules available, it is impossible to define what is and is not fair dealing.

Other than fair dealing, in Canada, the concept of “incidental inclusion” may provide another possible exception to copyright infringement. If the use of copyrighted material is very minor and is incidentally and not deliberately included, (for example, a pre-existing credit card door sticker at a retail location), it is likely that the use will fall within incidental inclusion and will not be considered an infringement. It can become prohibitively expensive and time consuming to clear every protected item in a film, no matter how small the use.

If E&O insurance is required, and if none of the above options is feasible, in some cases it may be possible to “exclude” the offending material from the E&O insurance policy and effectively assume the risk yourself. (Be aware, however, that these types of exclusions may not be acceptable to broadcasters and distributors.)

The bottom line? Always, always, always ensure that you acquire all necessary permission to include any protected material in your film before you start shooting.

 

Related Links:

The Delicate Art of Making a Bio Pic without Getting Permission

E&O Insurance 101 & How to Protect Your Film Project

E&O: What You Need to Know

E&O: Cost

Are you paying for the coverage you need?

Steps to Obtain

Producer Errors and Omissions

E&O: Reviewing Scripts

Distributor Errors and Omissions

Documentary E&O Insurance

Copyright Reports

How much of your film is copyright-able?

Copyright Infringements

How can a composer or producer avoid copyright infringement for music?

Does a film producer need to obtain releases for photos from the web?

Title Reports

Script Clearance Reports

Clearance Procedures

Claims Made vs. Occurrence

Fair Use

False Light Accusations

The value of a lawyer

A production lawyer's guide to obtaining E&O insurance and preventing litigation

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