Using Dean Kamen in the Chairman's Video?

[Tristan Lall]

Originally Posted by bchan1120

I was wondering if we're allowed to use a clip of Dean Kamen downloaded from the internet in our chairman's video? It's only a for a few seconds and we caption his name and title into it. Is this infringing any copyright laws or guidelines for chaiman's video?

There are two main issues: copyright and personality rights. Captioning the video with Kamen's name doesn't really solve either one.

The copyright generally resides with the creator of the video (or their designee). Do you have permission from the copyright owner? Or can you assert a fair use? (This will be your main problem.)

Personality rights deal with things like the use of Kamen's likeness to promote your team. I doubt he'd object, and indeed, there's wide latitude for you to use his likeness noncommercially. (Provided you're not defaming him, I don't think this will be an issue.)

As for FIRST's rules, the awards section is pretty comprehensive about what's expected.