What about school performances? My daughter's school is planning to put on a play this year. If they perform it without getting permission, will they violate the copyright in the play?

That depends on why and where a play or other performance is being held. Under certain conditions, the Copyright Act does allow educational institutions, without requiring permission, to hold the following events in public:

• a live performance, primarily by students of the educational institution;
• the performance of a sound recording;
• the performance in public of a work or other subject-matter at the time of its communication to the public by telecommunication.

But there are limitations, even when it comes to these types of performances.

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December 1998 More Copyright FAQs:

• General
• Exemptions & Exceptions
• Crown Copyright
• Electronic & Online Publications & Programs

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