Disney Wins Ruling on Movie Trailers

A New Jersey company may not make its own online trailers for Disney and Miramax movies after a federal judge ruled that trailers, like movies themselves, are protected by copyright.

U.S. District Judge Jerome B. Simandle said trailers were not included in the “fair use” statute that allows, in some instances, the use of quotes and clips from writings, music and other media.

The ruling gives film companies control over how their trailers are used. And in the case of the plaintiff, Video Pipeline Inc., it means the company cannot sell previews of Disney films to Web sites without Walt Disney Co.’s permission.

From Associated Press