By law, as well as by intent, the pre-recorded videocassettes and DVDs ("Videos") which are available in stores throughout the United Kingdom are for home use only -- unless you have a licence to show them elsewhere.

Rentals or purchases of Videos do not carry with them licences for non-home showings. Before you can legally engage in non-home showings, you must have a separate licence which specifically authorises such use.

These simple, straightforward rules are embodied in the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988. Any institution, organisation, company or individual wishing to engage in non-home showings of Videos should be aware of the Copyright Act's provisions governing the showing of Videos, which are highlighted below. The Copyright Act grants to the copyright owner the exclusive right, among others, "to perform the copyrighted work in public" (Chapter II Section 16)

• "The rental or purchase of a Video does not carry with it the right "to perform, show or play the work in public." (Section 16.1c)
  
  
• "Videos may be shown without a licence in the home to a normal circle of family and its social acquaintances because such showings are not "public." Any performance outside a "domestic and private context" is considered a public performance. (Ernest Turner Electrical Instruments Ltd. Vs PRS Ltd. [1943] CH 167)
  
  
• "Videos may be shown without a licence"at an educational establishment for the purpose of instruction." (Section 34 (2))
  
  
• " Other showings of Videos are illegal unless they have been authorised by licence. Even "performances in 'semipublic' places such as clubs, lodges, factories, and summer camps are 'public performances' subject to copyright control."
  
  
• " Institutions, organisations, companies or individuals wishing to engage in non-home showings of Videos must secure licences to do so -- regardless of whether an admission or other fee is charged.
  

The licensing process is simple. Just call +44 (0)1323 649 647 or send an email to ukinfo@mplc.com and a Certified Licensing Representative will contact you shortly.