Lights, Camera, Action!
It is tempting to stage a few props and begin rolling the camera. Whether the video is for a television series or medical office YouTube promotion, it is wise to make certain you have clearance for the use of any artwork and logos depicted in the scenes. This includes anatomy posters. Up-front extended use fees are nominal compared to penalties imposed after a copyright infringement has occurred.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, first-time copyright infringement cases can carry a fine of up to $250,000 and up to five years in prison. If you get caught more than once in a copyright-infringement case, you could face additional fines of up to $250,000 and up to 10 years in prison.
In some cases, minor infringements may be settled by either a cease-and-desist demand or settlement from $5,000 to $35,000. But these are not precedents.
Movie studios, photographers and artists have at least a general knowledge of copyright laws. They routinely obtain model releases, negotiate product placement or remove product branding from props. Derivative works, global rights, duration and transferability rights must be stipulated.
New medical offices are often excited to hang anatomy posters and hire a still photographer or videographer to shoot promotional footage. ClinicalPosters cannot provide specific legal advice. Logically, the best approach is to have authorization from the copyright holder(s) on file.
ClinicalPosters periodically receives requests from movie studios wishing to decorate medical office sets and obtain appropriate releases. With time-sensitive production schedules, cutting through all the legal red tape to receive appropriate clearance can seem insurmountable.
Economical Licensing
To simplify the process, the ClinicalPosters website has a section that conveniently includes licensing requirements from multiple anatomy poster publishers. This is easily accessible within the footer of each page.
When you login with either a Motion Picture or Photography profession, an extra Extended Use button appears on anatomy poster product pages. The button takes you to the licensing page for the corresponding publisher. This makes it easy to obtain the correct license for the whichever poster is desired.
Login with either a Motion Picture or Photography profession to see Extended Use button on anatomy poster product pages.
Some fees are straightforward while one requires an online form to be completed before providing a quotation. Most publishers charge a fee per poster to be used throughout a series. Sometimes a “per set decoration” fee is available. Rates displayed by publishers are independent of ClinicalPosters products but are helpful for those desiring one-stop product selection and licensing options.
The film/photography studio or licensing firm typically submits a standard release form. If you wish to photograph or record a video that includes any of more than 250 anatomy poster titles on this site, you will benefit from this handy resource.
References
- How to Avoid Copyright Infringement. legalzoom.com
- Consequences for Violations of the Copyright Laws. legalzoom.com
- Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines (15th Edition). barnesandnoble.com
- Video Release Form. eforms.com
- Materials Release Form. reellegal.com
Permission and fees for extended use beyond hanging posters on a wall is up to individual publishers and copyright owners. ClinicalPosters provides links and information to facilitate receipt of desired information.
