More than anyone, librarians understand the importance of copyright law. Even so, when it comes to movies, some librarians are unaware that copyrighted motion pictures and other audiovisual programs that are available for rental or purchase in any legal format, such as DVDs or other digital formats, whether streamed or downloaded, are intended for personal, private use only. Viewings in facilities, such as a public library, require a license in accordance with Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Act.
Copyrighted motion pictures and other audiovisual programs that are available for rental or purchase in any legal format, such as DVDs and other digital formats, whether streamed or downloaded, are intended for personal, private use only.
To ensure compliance, MPLC grants the Umbrella License, which provides copyright infringement liability protection to over 500,000 locations worldwide and represents more than 1,000 rights holders.
Just complete the online application or contact an MPLC Licensing Representative to secure an affordable annual license for unlimited exhibitions.
For more information, visit our FAQ page or click apply now!
The Umbrella License from MPLC grants organizations permission to show legally obtained audiovisual programs without the need to report titles, dates or times of exhibition. Motion picture studios and producers represented under the Umbrella License vary according to the intended use and facility type.
Civil penalties for unauthorized exhibitions start at $750 for each inadvertent infringement and go as high as $150,000 for each egregious violation. By comparison, an annual Umbrella License is a fraction of the cost and ensures copyright compliance for the entire school.
For a complete list of motion picture studios and producers included in your Umbrella License for Schools and how to determine coverage, visit our coverage page.
Copyrighted motion pictures and other audiovisual programs that are available for rental or purchase in any legal format, such as DVDs and other digital formats, whether streamed or downloaded, are intended for personal, private use only.
Regardless of whether or not an admission fee is charged, this legal requirement applies equally to for-profit and nonprofit facilities, including libraries, senior centers, and child care facilities.
A library can even be held as a contributory infringer simply for allowing patrons or guests to conduct unlicensed exhibitions on site. Innocuous activities, such as patrons streaming content from Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime on library computers, require a public performance license. Even if your library already holds a license with another vendor, multiple licenses are needed to ensure broad compliance and avoid the fines associated with copyright infringement.
Motion Picture Licensing Corporation (“MPLC”) is an independent copyright licensing service exclusively authorized by motion picture studios to grant the Umbrella License. The license allows for unlimited indoor or outdoor showings of all MPLC authorized motion picture titles within licensed facilities. MPLC provides its copyright compliance solution to over 500,000 locations worldwide. Member licensees include the smallest camps and schools to the largest multi-national corporations and federal government agencies.