Here's the deal — if you are selling someone else's words that have an active copyright on them (meaning they are not in the public domain, or published pre-1923) then you could be breaking the law.

Can I sell quotes from movies?

If it is physically tangible and has been put down in writing it will be protected under copyright law. This includes quotes from books, films, TV programmes or speeches. This rule also applies to song lyrics.

Is it legal to sell quotes?

Quotes from ancient sages, philosophers, and famous people who have since passed are a part of the public domain. This means that anyone may use these works without having to worry about intellectual property law issues.

Do you need permission to use a quote in a movie?

Unfortunately, quoting or excerpting someone else's work falls into one of the grayest areas of copyright law. There is no legal rule stipulating what quantity is OK to use without seeking permission from the owner or creator of the material.

Are quotes copyright free?

Famous quotes are not automatically free to use. If a quote is still under copyright protection, you generally need permission from the copyright owner, unless your use falls under fair use or other exceptions.

Using Movie Quotes On T-Shirt Designs - Copyright Explained

Are quotes from movies copyrighted?

So, as soon as someone writes down a good zinger in a sweaty caffeine-fueled writer's room somewhere — it is technically copyrighted. So say “hello” to my little friend. However, the copyright owner cannot sue someone over it until it has been registered with the United States Copyright Office.

What quotes can I legally use?

Any quotes that are in the public domain (through expiration of copyright, or otherwise) may be used freely. Any others are protected by copyright. However the use of a short quotation is often fair use under US law, or is subject to another exception to copyright elsewhere.

How to get permission to use movie quotes?

How much can I quote without violating copyright?

What is the amount and substantiality of the material used? The American Psychological Association allows authors to cite 400 words in single- text extracts, or 800 words in a series of text extracts, without permission (American Psychological Association, 2010).

Can you sell movie quotes on Etsy?

It depends on the extent of the quote, whether the quote has been protected as a slogan and a variety of other factors. Generally short phrases are okay, but to be sure you should check with IP counsel.

Can I sell someone else's quote?

In general, the legal rights of a quote belong by default to its author. Quotes are considered intellectual property. If you are not selling your work, you can likely use the quote for you work under the "Fair Use" exception to copyright law.

Do you need permission to use famous quotes?

As a common practice, all quotes are copyright to the author, which means that legally you should get permission from the author you hope to borrow from. This can sometimes be very difficult if the author is deceased or a public figure.

Can you put movie quotes on shirts to sell?

If speech has been recorded, placed in writing, used as a slogan, or repeated in online public discourse, do not use it as a text quote for your t-shirt. Except for public domain quotes, when a work is fixed in a tangible form, you cannot use it commercially.

Can you sell movie script ideas?

You need more than just the idea to sell a movie idea successfully. This includes having the rights to a great story, some funding, the interest of a well-known actor, or a fantastic screenplay. These elements prove that you're serious and have something tangible to offer.

Can I use movie quotes in my novel?

You DON'T need permission:

To use quotes from famous people as long as they are used in a brief and positive or neutral way to support your independent work - and with proper attribution. To quote or reference the title or author of a work such as books, poems, movies, TV shows or songs.

Can I use movie quotes in my song?

One may use part of a copyrighted work only with permission from the copyright owner, unless an exception to copyright applies. Exceptions to copyright vary significantly from country to country In the US, the primary exception is fair use.

Can you sell art with movie quotes?

If you are selling a product using someone's quote, you are not just using the quote but also the likeness and name of the author, so it's not just an Intellectual Property issue, it's also a Right of publicity and many cases also Trademark.

How do I check if a quote is copyrighted?

Search the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) database: Visit the USPTOs website at www.uspto.gov and use their Trademark Electronic Search System (TESS) to search for registered trademarks.

What famous quotes are public domain?

And there are a lot of great public domain quotes to choose from. “A penny saved is a penny earned,” is public domain. Ben Franklin wrote that back in the 1700s. “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” is from Shakespeare's “Romeo and Juliet,” likewise public domain.

Where can I find copyright free quotes?

Public Domain Quotes are the quotations by world famous authors that can be used without permission for any of your work including commercial use. You can find a rich collection of interesting public domain quotes on thegoldenquotes.net with ease.

Can you get sued for using movie quotes?

Anytime you use any third-party content without permission (including quotes), you run the risk of getting sued. No amount of opining by me or another lawyer can change that fact. No one has to get permission from a judge or lawyer to sue you when you use their “stuff.”

Are movie scripts copyrighted?

Remember, copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself. So, a script or screenplay, as a detailed expression of an idea, is copyrightable.

Can you get sued for quoting someone?

If you don't seek permission and get it wrong, then you could be sued. In fact, the only way to determine whether something is “fair use” happens during a court case if an author gets sued. This will inevitably be more expensive and costly than seeking permission in the first place.

How do you turn a quote into a sale?