Legal Factors About Making a Parody Video

Anyone looking to make a parody video should first consult with a copyright attorney. It’s crucial to write your own lyrics in a way that clearly relays social commentary or criticism and doesn’t take away from the original artist’s work. When a parodist is alleged to have infringed someone’s copyright through his or her parody, the parodist often relies on the “fair use” defense. Courts weigh a number of factors to determine whether fair use applies, and it’s difficult to predict whether the defense will be successful. Don’t assume fair use applies without proper legal advice. Do not try to sell or make money off your parody.