Copyright law?

[GillwithG]

Hello!

I am making a Valentine Card for a competition, and have used a quote from "Dirty Dancing" on the front of the card. I have credited the film by name clearly at the bottom of the quote. Am I infringing copyright laws? I really need to know as the card may be thrown out if I am, and I've just spent hours on it!!!

Thank you everyone

Gill

[snook]

I don't think you can copyright a line, or a title, any more than you can copyright a word, but regardless of that, I can't see how either the film company or the competition promoter could justify penalising you for using it. I'm sure you're not using it such a way that would bring the film into disrepute, so why would anyone object?

Sorry I can't be more definite, you'll probably need to consult a copyright specialist for that.

[joko]

you may as well enter it - you've made it now! whats the worst that could happen? they disqualify you.

[GillwithG]

Ah, but I wanted to win ha ha! I can paste other words over the top if I am infringing, but if not I would rather keep my Dirty Dancing quote!

Gill

[dotjhawkes]

What is the quote, I brought watermeolons? Noone puts Baby In a corner? My space your space? Go on what is it?

[BriWrite]

Hi Gill.

I have a copy of the Writers Guide to Copyright and Law. Under the heading A few short words. it says "Fortunately writers are helped by the de minimus rule. It means that the courts will not interfere with the use of small and trivial pieces of another work. It says on another page that it is a good idea to acknowledge the source of the piece used, so it looks like you will be O.K.

[GillwithG]

Hi

Thank you all for your answers! As it's a Valentines card I chose this quote:

I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I'm with you.
Dirty Dancing

Thanks again

Gill

[dotjhawkes]

Fabulous! Go for it.