Posted by Richard Crowley on 02/13/06 21:41

"Raymond G. Wiggins" wrote ...
>I have since left a previous employer but wish to use some samples of
>projects I had worked on during my employment. In doing so, am I opening
>myself up to legal woes? I intend to use 1-2 second cuts, if that matters.
>
> I've heard something about "fair-use".

A great deal hangs on that little word of yours: "use". Nobody
(even an attorney you hire and pay for) could answer your
question with so few details.

Many people collect a "reel" of their productions they have
done during their career. It is useful for showing others your
abilities, etc.

Chances seem very high, however, that when you produced
something while in the employ of your previous company, it
was a "work for hire" and is owned by them. Unless you can
get their permission, it is likely safe to assume that you do not
have the legal right to "use" it.

Note also that most people who think they can take advantage
of "fair use" end up discovering that it doesn't apply in their
case. But we have no clue what you mean by "use"?

There is a practicing intellectual property attorney who visits
these newsgroups on occasion. Perhaps he can give some
guidance (but clearly not an official legal opinion unless you
hire him :-)

Even if everyone here in this newsgroup said: "yeah! go for it"
it still wouldn't be a good idea without talking with the legal
counsel for your present employer, at the very least.

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