The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) makes it unlawful to rip from DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and many other encrypted technologies to prevent unauthorized access to copyrighted works. The law blocks filmmakers' ability to make fair use of invaluable footage. While fair use allows us to use copyrighted footage, the DMCA restricts our access to such material.
Since 2010, the University of Irvine (UCI) Intellectual Property, Arts, and Technology Clinic and Donaldson + Callif have represented a coalition of major independent filmmaking organizations in the effort, led by the International Documentary Association, Film Independent, and Kartemquin Films, in protecting documentary filmmakers' exemption from the DMCA.
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October 26, 2012Back in November 2011 , the IDA and Kartemquin Films sent out a request for your help as we were preparing to submit comments to the Library of
December 14, 2011Please review our official comments submitted to the US Copyright Office along with Kartemquin Educational Films Inc and others.
November 10, 2011Submit your stories to help preserve your fair use rights.- July 26, 2010Access Granted to DVD Content, Restoring Fair Use Rights
May 14, 2009Discussion over fair use issues continues.