PathFinder World Video Licensing Requirements

PathFinder World Video offers licensed Ethnic Television and Radio Content for Re-Broadcasters operating networks in the IPTV, CATV, SMATV, Private Cable, Hotel & Motel, and Hospitality industries

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS

Content providers and broadcasters alike often have questions regarding whether content can be freely broadcast and what licensing permissions are required.  The below addresses some of the most frequently asked questions and provides guidance on what is required and how to obtain it.

Is a License required to legally re-broadcast television content already broadcast “Free Over the Air?”

Content that is commonly referred to as “Free Over the Air” is free as the name implies, but only under very narrow circumstances of use.  It generally applies only to content that is received and used for personal enjoyment.  The re-broadcast to the public of a primary transmission is actionable as an act of infringement under section 501 of Title 17 of the USC and is fully subject to the remedies provided by sections 502 through 506 and 509.¹  This includes broadcasts which are delivered to the general public “Free Over the Air” (without charge).  In such instances, people have the right to enjoy the content for their personal use, but not the right to further distribute the content or otherwise exercise control over it for financial gain.  To legally rebroadcast the content or otherwise use it for financial gain, a license is required.

Do these restrictions and licensing requirements apply to content created by a foreign broadcaster?

International copyright treaties and conventions² grant to foreign broadcasters and television networks the same copyright protections granted to US broadcasters and content owners under the United States Code³.  Works of foreign origin are subject to protection under Section 104 of Title 17 of the United States Code if the work is first published in a foreign nation that, on the date of first publication, is a treaty party.  What this means is that licenses are required to legally rebroadcast foreign content just as it is required to rebroadcast content originating in the United States.

How can a license be obtained to permit the legal rebroadcast of content?

Whether or not to allow someone else to rebroadcast or otherwise use content us up to the content owner or owners (often time many parties have partial rights to the content). They have the right to decide whether to grant a license, what rights are to be granted under the license, and what compensation is to be made in exchange for the license.

How can PathFinder World Video help me get the licensing rights I need?

PathFinder World Video has negotiated licenses with content providers from around the world.  Specifically, we have negotiated licenses that allow us to enter into “sublicenses” granting people the right to rebroadcast the content.  If you desire to broadcast ethnic content from around the world, PathFinder World Video can grant you the licenses and rights needed to legally rebroadcast the content.

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