Movie Posters Posts

While book images and descriptions are typically ok to use (and another viewpoint from an Intellectual Property Lawyer) , movie posters and titles are in a different category. So, to include the movie title AND/or poster in a post on the website, you need to have broadcast rights (e.g., Swank). When you right a movie related post, make sure to include

Include a description of the event

• Date, time, year, place
• Description of the movie
• If you have rights, any promotional content including the title and unaltered artwork (characters, movie poster, etc.) with credit (see below). Make sure to include the rights statement for the usage. Otherwise, this information will be omitted.

Social media:

• For social media, Swamk discourages using the Movie title in a Facebook post - but never fear! As long as you link the Facebook post to the library post about the movie, our patrons will see that in the link preview on Facebook.

Swank TOS snipped below

How can I use my license to promote a movie event?

By following these simple guidelines, you can stay in compliance while promoting your event. Please note, the reason for these guidelines is to avoid direct competition with a local movie theater.

1. Advertising Inside Your Library and to Registered Borrowers:

Within the library building, you are free to advertise the movie title, studio name and movie artwork. Artwork cannot be altered and must contain the studio’s copyright, for example: ©Walt Disney Pictures.

You are also free to advertise the movie title, studio name and movie artwork on the library’s website as well as in correspondence such as standard mailings, emails and monthly newsletters to registered borrowers/card holders of the library. The library website is considered a virtual branch of the library, allowing for such advertising.

Movie Licensing USA makes it easy to create publicity with customizable posters, bookmarks and movie tickets that are already properly copyrighted. This feature can be found on our website at library.movlic.com/publicity. Your customer number is located on your license certificate. Copyrighted movie images are also available using the movie search feature on our website. Artwork found on the MLUSA website can be used to advertise your event as long as it is not altered and includes the studio’s copyright, for example: ©Walt Disney Pictures.

1. Advertising in Social Media

If the public library’s social media accounts are set to private, the title may be used. If the library’s social media accounts are not set to private, it is recommended the title not be included. The movie event may be promoted on the social media pages with a link to the title on the library’s website.

1. Advertising in Public Media

If you choose to advertise through public media (such as public radio, television, or newspapers), you may do so as long as your message does not include the movie title and studio name. For example, “Join us at Anytown Library for a Neighborhood Movie Night at 7:00 pm” is permitted.