Does anyone know the legal issue behind using copyrighted sound clips. For example very often radio stations play random sounds from movies and television shows. Are they licensed to use all those soundclips? Or is it because of the frequency deal, where the law allows such material to play across air. What would be the legality using the same idea on websites? Thanks
I frequently use sound clips to sell products and entertain my guests. As far as what my lawyers have advised me is that any downoadable clip needs to be around 30 secs or shorter. As for streaming clips that can't be saved in any way, its still risky to put a full length clip up without the copyright holders permission. I would say stay around 15-20 seconds max. Obviously never give out free full downloads of anything... But that goes without saying.