Copyright-Checklist for Churches - Information on Question No. 9

Do you use background pictures when projecting songs?

Many churches use pictures in the background when projecting lyrics on screen. Usually those pictures are protected by copyright law.

In order to use pictures legally you need to get permission from the copyright owner. The collecting society VG-Bild-Kunst issues licences for using copyright protected images and art works in public.

Our tip:

• Use only pictures that are „royalty-free“. You can buy images on the internet where you don't have to pay a fee each time you use it. (You might want to have a look at istock photo or Photocase.) These photographs are offered in high quality and are comparitively cheap. Please pay attention to the terms of use.

• Use photographs taken by yourself or friends who allow you to use them.

• Use only material you are sure to be legally safe. If you are not sure contact the copyright owner in order to get the permission for usage.

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