Copyright and Portrait Rights in Media Expression

Introduction

  • Presenter: 小松 (Komatsu), Academic Skills Coordinator at the Faculty of Media Expression.

  • This session is the 3rd delivery regarding Academic Skills.

  • The focus of this lecture is on intellectual property rights, particularly copyright and portrait rights, essential for producing works and papers and presenting them to society.

  • Importance: Knowing how to protect oneself and respect others’ rights.

Objectives of the Lecture

  1. Understand the differences in rights management between personal enjoyment and public presentation (e.g., graduation projects).

  2. Learn how to both protect one's own work and fulfill obligations not to infringe on others' rights.

  3. Acquire methods to properly incorporate others' works into one’s own work without legal issues.

Intellectual Property Rights Overview

  • Focus: Copyright and portrait rights in relation to students' projects.

  • Brief mention of other forms of intellectual property rights:

    • Patent Rights: Protect inventions, such as the mechanics of a new video game.

    • Design Rights: Protect unique designs of industrial products.

    • Trademark Rights: Protect logos associated with goods and services.

  • Important Note: These rights only exist once a formal application is made and approved by the government.

  • While not directly linked to most students' projects, awareness of these rights is beneficial.

Copyright

  • Definition: Copyright protects expressions such as writings, music, and paintings.

  • Key Point: Unlike patents, copyright does not require an application; it arises automatically upon the creation of a work.

  • Important Note: Ideas themselves are not protected by copyright.

Portrait Rights

  • Definition: While not legally established, portrait rights are recognized through case law and apply to all individuals.

  • Aspects of portrait rights:

    • The right to prevent unauthorized capturing or publication of one's likeness.

    • The publicity rights that protect the economic value of a celebrity's name and likeness.

  • For media students, these rights are particularly relevant and require thorough understanding for daily associations in project activities.

Practical Cases

Use of Free Material and Stock Photos

  • Caution: Although labeled