Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Illinois

Re: music, video clips and screenshots on my website

In short, all unauthorized, unlicensed copying of another's work constitutes copyright infringement. That goes for music as well, there is no "8-bar rule." Having said that, there is a loose exception for use of another's copyrighted material known as "fair use." It is what is known as an affirmative defense to a copyright infringement claim.

Without getting into too much legalese, believe me, you'll thank me, you should be able to use limited amounts of video clips, screen shots, and music for non-profit, educational purposes and fair comment and criticism. As longs a your class project fits into this narrow area, you should be OK. You are still technically in violation of copyright law, but more often than not, the copyright owners will leave you alone if you are in the above narrow area.

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