DMCA Protection

Before starting on your own ACTLab TV station, and definitely before you begin broadcasting online, you need to be aware of what you legally can and can not do on the Internet. I suggest that you first peruse through the pages at Chilling Effects and the EFF for comprehensive information regarding your digital rights. A matter of particular concern, when dealing with internet broadcasting, are copyright laws. An accidental infringement can lead to having your site shut down, or worse, some hefty lawsuits. Fortunately for you and me, we are provided some protection via the DMCA (specifically Section 512). To recieve protection for you and your site, YOU MUST APPLY for "Safe Harbor" (as laid out below). This will cover the storage of materials on your system, as well as referrals from your site to the stored materials on another. Chilling Effects offers two very helpful FAQ's concerning distribution regulations, liabilities, takedown notifications, and more. You should take a look at them here and here. To help you out even more, I've compiled the information and directions found on several sites right here in an easy to follow guide. All you have to do is fill out a form, write a check, and mail them in. You also should prominently list somewhere on your site that you are protected under the DMCA, and explain the terms of use for your site (laying out responsibility and infringement notification procedure). Feel free to use our Terms of Use as a model. It only takes a few minutes to fill out the form and send it off, and in the end can be your saving grace. For more information, please check out the sites I have linked to for your convenience.

DESIGNATION OF AGENT FORM (for DMCA Safe Harbor Protection)

You can go online and download a printable version of the form here.
Or you can fill out your own, as long as it meets all of these requirements:

(1) Prominent caption or heading stating that this is your
      "Interim Designation of Agent to Receive Notification of Claimed Infringement";
(2) The full legal name and address of the service provider;
(3) All names under which the service provider is doing business;
(4) The name of the agent designated to receive notification of claimed infringement;
(5) The full address, including a specific number and street name or rural route, of the
      agent designated to receive notification of claimed infringement. A post office box
      or similar designation will not be sufficient except where it is the only address
      that can be used in that geographic location;
(6) The telephone number, facsimile number, and electronic mail address of the agent
      designated to receive notification of claimed infringement.
(7) Signature of "The Interim Designation of Agent to Receive Notification of Claimed
      Infringement," and date.

Send the completed form along with $30.00 (payable to "Register of Copyrights") to the following address:

      Copyright GC/I&R
      P.O. Box 70400
      Southwest Station
      Washington, D.C. 20024