Question

Topic: E-Marketing

Legal Issues With Customer Case Study Videos?

Posted by michelea on 9/13/2011 at 5:21 AM ET 125 Points
We recently conducted video interviews with a selection of csutomers during an event we hosted. The purpose was to get customer opinions on our products and services and we intent do use parts the footage in campaigns or on our website.

The participants in the videos obviously gave us permission to film them, but we didn't get anything signed or any legal disclaimer.

Should we, as a company, get participants in videos such as these to sign something that gives us the right to use their footage in marketing materials? Or, as we recorded the footage ourselves, with our own equipment, legally ours to use?

We're based in the UK if that makes any difference.

Opinions welcome!
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RESPONSES

  • Posted by Andy Fracica, MBA on 9/13/2011 at 8:27 AM Accepted
    Yes, have them sign a model release form which will allow you to use their image, voice, etc. in any manner you find necessary. It is just good practice.

    I hope this helps,

    Andy Fracica
  • Posted on 9/13/2011 at 6:57 PM Accepted
    I am not an attorney and this is not legal advice.

    You should probably consult an attorney if this is a question of legality. From a customer relations standpoint, however, I'd recommend getting explicit permission from each person to use the video clips in a promotional piece.

    If this is something they assumed you would do anyway, they probably won't object at all. And if it's something they did NOT expect, it's better you find out now, before you use it and annoy a good customer.

    The risk is that some customer who presumed you'd use the video recording for promotion purposes now has had second thoughts and will not give permission. Again, better to not use their clip ... or they'll be embarrassed or surprised when they see it in your finished product.

    Either way, you will be better served to check with them (again) ... and not take a chance that you'll annoy a good customer.

    Again, this is not legal advice.
  • Posted by Gary Bloomer on 9/13/2011 at 9:05 PM Accepted
    Always ALWAYS get a signed and dated film and or photography release. Here''s a link to an example that you might want to use as a template: https://web.mit.edu/techtv/files/MIT_release.pdf
  • Posted by michelea on 10/3/2011 at 4:23 AM Author
    Thanks for all your input!
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