TV Programs Screenshot

[Gian04]

Just want to ask something on copyright law. I want to create a website that features TV Programs from different TV Stations.

On that website it will show the background of the shows, cast, anchors, etc.

Site visitors has also a chance to vote their favorite programs, post comments etc.

The site includes screenshots of these TV programs (I will create the screnshots thru a capture card of my PC)

My question is : Is the use of their screenshots a violation of copyright law (or some other laws). Although I understand that it depends on our country's law (Philippines), but in general is there any violation with the use of the the screenshots?

Thank you very much.

[Gian04]

Anyone? Please...

[Syzygy]

It's possible that using shots from TV programmes in the context you mention would be considered "fair use". On the other hand, some networks and programmes may be more aggressive than others in pursuing what they may construe to be illegal usage of such images.

The best and safest course of action, in my view, would be to contact the networks or specific programmes directly and ask for either publicity shots (for use in the context you describe), or clarification on their "fair use" policy.

In the interim, some digging around on "fair use" would probably prove enlightening.

Syzygy

[Lipik]

If you'r writing an article about some tv programm, a small image displaying a screen shot could be considered as 'fair use'. But if your website is about the screen shots... that's another thing. Then I (but who am I?) would consider it as copyright violation...
Better follow the advice of Syzygy. Asking can't harm, and even if they don't answer you could take the risk of using the sreen shots. If they complain later, just remove them.

[Frida]

He is not gonna stream the whole show/program but post a small screenshot. This should not be a problem I think, and the TV channels should consider this as yet another way to advertise and attract all those teens that are on the i-net all day long. That is the way I see it.

[zett]

If you are writing for a bigger audience, I suggest to write to the PR departments of the broadcasters and check whether they have any free material available ("for press use only"). You might also drop a word or two on your plan to "capture screenshots". I guess they will quickly tell you whether they support it or not.

Other than that, I agree that screenshots probably could be regarded as "fair use", but a screenshot of a "Star Wars" broadcast might be different than "Breakfast TV with Lydia & Bernard"... Only they can tell you that.