Are movie trailers public domain?

Question

Are movie trailers public domain?

I am making a short blurb 4 minutes long...can I cut from movie trailers and use? Is it a violation of copyright laws...Please give me any articles, websites, or any verification of this...

Answer 1

They are NOT public domain.

If you read the blurb at the beginning of the movie, it states that you can't use the movie in its entirety or in part. A trailer is parts of a movie strung together to "tease" the potential viewer.

Best to just get the permission, or find something else to do.

Answer 2

You have all given incorrect information on this subject, and I suggest anyone reading this years later search regarding this subject and not leave it to random people on the web.

Trailers fall under the same guidelines as any work regarding copyright and fair use depending on the age of the work, if it has or doesn't have a copyright notice and so forth. Works prior to 1991 missing a proper copyright notice fall into the public domain, works prior to 1964 not registered or renewed.

oh, and there's no such thing as a "30 Second" rule regarding fair use of copyrighted footage.

You folks gave this poor guy incorrect information,and everyone else who has seen this.

Again, don't go by a place like this - do a web search on the subject.

The most famous case is HOFHEINZ v. A & E TELEVISION NETWORKS which proved the public domain status of some trailers.

Answer 3

No, all original work is protected automatically by copyright. You must have explicit permission to use the trailers, unless you are using clips for parody or analysis, in which case, up to 30 seconds or so can legitimately be used without permission.

Answer 4

No, you would indeed be in violation of copyright laws. There are a few exceptions, but they are few and far between and it is doubtful that you fit into them. I suggest you read the simple explanation on the front of any video tape you own about what the copyright protects and what you are prohibited from doing.