Can I use scene(s) from movies in my presentations?

Owning an original movie DVD or having a video on demand subscription service allows you to enjoy the movie privately in a domestic setting. Showing the video in the workplace may infringe the owner’s exclusive right to communication his work to the public.

However, you may use parts of copyright content without having to first seek consent if your use is fair. This is called the “fair use” exception.

There are 4 statutory factors that the court will consider:

1. The purpose and character of your use;
2. The nature of the work you are using;
3. The amount and substantiality of the portion of the work you are using, in relation to the whole work; and
4. The effect that your use will have on the potential market for, or value of, the work.

This is ultimately a factual assessment to be made and the court may also take into account other relevant factors.