Q. Do I need public performing rights to show a movie?

As creative works, motion pictures and other video media are protected by copyright. In order to publicly display these works, you must have the proper license for public performance. If you would like to show a video on campus outside of a class activity, you must secure a public performance license for the video content in question. 

One exception to this is if the video media is being shown in a classroom or as part of a learning activity related to a face-to-face or online class. You may show an entire film as part of a classroom activity. Another exception is Fair Use. Email scholarlycommunications@tamucc.edu if you have any questions. 

For more information, check our Copyright guide.