In the Know: Copyright Compliance

Posted on October 16, 2018 by Guest Contributor

Have you ever considered how copyright law applies when movies are shown in your setting? You probably should, as motion picture showings held within communal areas on the property require a public performance license to comply with Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Act. Before you pop in that DVD or download a film for your next movie night, read this advice: 

Watching movies in an individual room with family and friends does not require a license. However, exhibitions in communal areas such as a community room, theater or lounge, as well as via closed-circuit transmission, are by law considered “public” and require a public performance license. 

To make licensing simple and affordable, LeadingAge and other industry associations negotiated an agreement with Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (MPLC) for member savings on MPLC’s Umbrella License^®, the most comprehensive copyright license available for senior living and healthcare communities. The license provides unprecedented access to content from over 1,000 motion picture rightsholders, ranging from major Hollywood and independent studios to faith-based and foreign language producers. 

Once licensed, an unlimited number of movies may be shown. Movies can be secured from any legal source whether rented, purchased, or borrowed via DVD, stream, or download. However, unlicensed exhibitions may subject your community to substantial fines for copyright infringement. 

If your community currently shows movies, you must secure the required license to ensure copyright compliance.

The 2016 Umbrella License Agreement establishes guidelines for the licensing of motion picture exhibitions in all senior living and healthcare communities, including:

• All communities, regardless of their type or license status, must obtain licensure for exhibitions of movies transmitted over a closed-circuit television system or in-house channel.
• All communities, regardless of their type or license status, must obtain licensure for exhibitions of movies in common areas such as a theater, lounge, or community room. This includes:
• Affordable housing facilities and units
• Assisted living, nursing, and rehabilitation facilities and units
• Independent living facilities and units
• Adult day service centers
• Assisted living, nursing, and rehabilitation units receive a reduced rate on the license. Minimum fees are waived for campuses that are strictly nursing, assisted living, or rehabilitation.
• Affordable housing units receive a reduced rate on the license.
• Members of LeadingAge receive a 10% discount on standard Umbrella License fees.

Contact MPLC directly at (800) 462-8855 or online at seniorliving.mplc.org for assistance with pricing or to ask any questions about the Umbrella License. 

You may also contact LeadingAge at (202) 783-2242 with any questions about motion picture licensing requirements within our field.