Performances & Displays

The right to perform or display a copyrighted work belongs to the copyright holder--but not absolutely. Section 110 of the Copyright Act sets forth the performance and display exemptions.

Face to Face Classroom Teaching

Section 110(1) of the copyright act allows educators and students to perform or display works in the course of face-to-face teaching activities at a nonprofit educational institution, in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction. There is no limitation on the types or amounts of a work that can be performed or displayed except that an audiovisual work that is not lawfully made cannot be shown. This section authorizes, for example, displaying a picture, drawing, or photograph; showing an entire movie; acting out or performing a play or opera; and performing musical compositions as well as sound recordings