1、CRS Legal Sidebar Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Legal SidebarLegal Sidebari i Webcasting in the Time of COVID-19: Copyright Implications of Remote Worship & Distance Learning April 3, 2020 Unauthorized public performance or display of a copyrighted work generally gives rise to liab
2、ility for copyright infringement; however, current law exempts certain activities from infringement when performed in person. For example, singing a copyrighted hymn or performing a religious work during a religious service at a place of worship is exempted from infringement liability, as is the per
3、formance or display of a copyrighted work by an instructor while teaching in the classroom. As a result of the COVID-19 social distancing policies, however, groups have begun webcasting what were previously in-person gatherings. (“Webcasting” is the practice of broadcasting an event live over the in
4、ternet.) Places of worship may webcast their usual religious services. Schools and universities may webcast classes. Copyright law, however, treats transmissions like webcasting differently than in-person activities in some circumstances. Thus, certain activities generally exempt from copyright liab