Q: Do I need permission to show Counter Strike in a independent film? Or CS has free copyrights?
I'm the producer of an independent film made by students of University of São Paulo (USP), in Brazil, and I would like to know if is it ok to make a scene where the characters play the game, since CS is free for download, or if we would have legal problems.
A: Counter-Strike (CS) is a copyrighted video game, and it is generally advisable to seek permission from the copyright holder to use it in a film. While CS may be available for free download, that does not mean it is free from copyright protection. Copyright law grants the creator exclusive rights to control the use and distribution of their work. Without proper authorization, including a license or permission from the copyright holder, there may be legal implications for using CS in your film. To ensure compliance with copyright law and avoid potential legal problems, it is recommended to consult with an intellectual property attorney who can provide specific guidance based on the laws in Brazil and the policies of CS's copyright holder. They can assist you in obtaining the necessary permissions or exploring alternative options to include the game in your independent film.
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