You know how we told you about the crazy Content ID issues on YouTube leading to Let’s Play channels getting slammed with insane copyright claims? Well, now YouTube is responding to the criticism, but not in the way we were hoping.
In an email sent by YouTube to those hit by the Content ID sweeps obtained by Kotaku, they offer the following advice for new content:
If you’re creating videos with content from other people, remember that rights ownership can be complicated and different owners have different policies. Be aware of music. Many games allow you to turn off background music, while leaving sound effects enabled.
This honestly makes no sense. Music played in games has been licensed by the publishers already. If those game publishers then give permission for that game to be used in Let’s Play videos, or any other video commentary, surely those rights are transferred as well. Is it just the music that’s the problem, then? So far, it would appear that way – most of the claims are based on violations of musicians’ rights and have little if anything to do with the actual game IP.
I’m all for the protection of intellectual property, and I believe that artists and creators should be compensated for their contributions. However, YouTube has not evolved to the point of allowing profit sharing, complicated licensing, or any other mechanism other than to simply slap Content ID claims on those creating their own unique art. Where is the option to engage with the copyright holders? We have been struggling with this issue ourselves – apparently Geoff’s face violates someone’s copyright. That’s right – someone owns the rights to Geoff’s face. Who knows, maybe our next Content ID claim will be on Darryn’s voice or Gavin’s “sense of humor”. Regardless, it’s a flawed system and YouTube needs to look at fixing it, rather than just telling people to turn off their music.
Last Updated: December 18, 2013
Unavengedavo(aka. MadeYouLook)
December 18, 2013 at 12:36
Wait, some one actually admitted that they look like Geoff?
Weanerdog
December 18, 2013 at 13:21
No they just own the copyright to his likeness.
Unavengedavo(aka. MadeYouLook)
December 18, 2013 at 13:30
So you are saying that they find his likeness as a valuable asset? Is this some kind of visual insect repellent company claiming this?
Weanerdog
December 18, 2013 at 13:36
Could be; I was thinking the South Park crowd
Umar Bravely Default
December 18, 2013 at 12:39
How does this work……??? I mean Jonathan Blow is a director of game he is making, he uploaded a gameplay video to generate some hype probably but got hit with a copyright claim….lol Youtube claims that the creator of the game of which he is uploading a video of is infringing on the rights of those that created the game…..My head is paining
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 18, 2013 at 13:06
Watch the 2nd Angry Joe video. His one example is how 11 of his videos were hit with content id violations regarding music software that he owns & used perfectly legally. When he got hold of them to ask WTF they told him that someone else had fraudulently claimed copyright over their stuff. This is some fucked up stuff.
Willem Swanepoel
December 19, 2013 at 08:26
Best part is, Youtube does not give a shit about people like AngryJoe. They are still making their money and taking AngryJoe’s cut to the people who claimed the video.
He does not even get a response from Youtube … I just wish everyone that is an uploader give’s Youtube the finger and take their videos to someone else that actually want to protect the uploaders.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 18, 2013 at 12:43
Someone owns the rights to Geoff’s face? Why do I suddenly picture Darryn like this…
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
December 18, 2013 at 14:02
Whahahahaha
Umar Bravely Default
December 18, 2013 at 12:46
Even Mark from one of my fav channels, Classic Game Room has left…..I seriously hate this 🙁
Skwissgar Skwigelf
December 18, 2013 at 12:47
Someone owns the rights to Geoff’s face other than Geoff? Who?
ToshZA
December 18, 2013 at 13:10
Question is: who would want to? 😛
oVg
December 18, 2013 at 13:12
David Attenborough
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
December 18, 2013 at 14:04
Rev3 , apparently! 😀
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 18, 2013 at 12:52
I knew I recognised Geoff from somewhere before frequenting this site.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 18, 2013 at 12:56
Is that Paint? If so, I applaud you.
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 18, 2013 at 13:22
How did you know?! 0-O
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 18, 2013 at 13:24
Yes, a very good question. How did I know…. by the way, you look very fetching in your blue shirt today…
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 18, 2013 at 13:34
Oh you tease you 0-O
oVg
December 18, 2013 at 13:09
That must be a Banksy.
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 18, 2013 at 13:16
I am actually tempted to print that out and sell it at Green Market Square…
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 18, 2013 at 13:18
Maybe for next Halloween?
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
December 18, 2013 at 14:02
Well played
oVg
December 18, 2013 at 12:53
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
December 18, 2013 at 12:57
Dude nails it!
Hammersteyn
December 18, 2013 at 12:57
Saw that, worst part is he’s losing cash.
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 18, 2013 at 12:57
I watched that last night, was an epic rant.
The one below it where he explains the situation with examples was pretty interesting.
Umar Bravely Default
December 18, 2013 at 13:01
So effed up man….
JJ's horrible secret (John)
December 18, 2013 at 13:47
Watched a video where he says how the publishers reacted. Makes me love Bathesda even more. They’re by far one of the greatest publishers out there.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
December 18, 2013 at 12:57
Wasn’t Geoff in a baby commercial from the 70s?
oVg
December 18, 2013 at 13:01
Before puberty
Unavengedavo(aka. MadeYouLook)
December 18, 2013 at 13:05
I though he was talking about this one…
oVg
December 18, 2013 at 13:08
NOPE. That is the Activision training video.
RinceGivesRspectsToMadiba
December 18, 2013 at 13:23
Booooooooooom!
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
December 18, 2013 at 13:50
dafuq I just watch 0.o
Unavengedavo(aka. MadeYouLook)
December 18, 2013 at 13:55
Line oVg said, it’s the Activision training video. But it could also be EA’s though
JJ's horrible secret (John)
December 18, 2013 at 14:01
Don’t know if I’m ready for one today…
Hammersteyn
December 18, 2013 at 13:01
So along comes a rival site to Youtube where AVGN,Angry Joe,Machinima and all the rest moved over to and they lived happily ever after.
Weanerdog
December 18, 2013 at 13:16
It would only work until some douche again claims copyright infringement.
Hammersteyn
December 18, 2013 at 13:47
Not if the new site has their own legislation. What Angry Joe raved about is 100% correct.
Weanerdog
December 18, 2013 at 13:50
Sites policies cannot supersede copyright law. Unless they set themselves up in international waters.
Hammersteyn
December 18, 2013 at 14:00
Or China.
Willem Swanepoel
December 19, 2013 at 08:22
There is a huge difference between forcing down the law and forcing down the law WHILE MAKING a crapload of $$$
They do not say is, Youtube is still making money out of the videos from the adverts. They just give the uploader’s cut to the company who made the claim …
Umar Bravely Default
December 18, 2013 at 13:08
Eff youtube….Adblock..activated!
oVg
December 18, 2013 at 13:14
Galbedir
December 18, 2013 at 13:15
Think i’ll find my game reviews elsewhere from now on, before I buy a game. Screw Youtube
oVg
December 18, 2013 at 13:16
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/jimquisition/8565-Copyright-War
Weanerdog
December 18, 2013 at 13:21
Zoe as far as the rights go, AFAIK you can license the music for your game but you cannot transfer that right to another. So if the music is in your video and does not meet fair useage criteria, I think less than 10 sec then they can claim copyright violation. I think that Youtube should make it a point that the claimee should at least have to prove ownership of rights.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
December 18, 2013 at 13:45
Someone owns the rights to Geoff’s face???? PIcs or it didn’t happen!!!
Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim
December 18, 2013 at 14:03
Really.! We got a content Id claim for an interview I did. The section they claimed copyright on was *me*.
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
December 18, 2013 at 14:10
Dude, I’m sorry but that is super funny. You’ve been copyrighted by some weirdo who now owns your very person and what defines you.
Lol. Oh man that’s funny. How do you defend that in court?
Judge: Are you sure you want to defend yourself?
Geoff: Yes
Judge: In regards to breaking copyright properties how do you plead?
Geoff: Not guilty on the grounds that it’s my own face!
Judge: So you admit to using this face everyday for your own personal gain with no loyalties to the copyright owner?
Geoff: But… But.. It’s my face! How can they copyright my face!?
Judge: You shall henceforth pay royalty fees to the copyright owner everytime you make money for any reason.
Darryn: Yes! I’m going to be rich!!!
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 18, 2013 at 14:15
We better not let him outdoors, otherwise we’re all liable for watching an unlicensed public performance of Geoff’s face :/
Willem Swanepoel
December 19, 2013 at 08:14
The question is, is it illegal to have Geoff’s face in my porn stash on my PC ?
Alien Emperor Trevor
December 19, 2013 at 09:00
That’s not the question. The question is one I’m too afraid to ask right now. O_O
Willem Swanepoel
December 19, 2013 at 09:40
hahahaha ;-)~
Aint got time for dat
Her Highness the Hipster
December 18, 2013 at 14:28
why do i have a bad mental image now of geoff singing ala 1st wive’s club “You don’t own me!”
Sir Rants A Lot Llew. Jelly!!!
December 18, 2013 at 13:48
I think the music issue is slightly more complex because the music is most likely licensed only for the original purpose of the game and to be played and listened to by only the player who purchased the game (or something like that)
So when it is reproduced on youtubesssss or whatever the original licence is violated (That sounds so bad) because the music is being taken wholesale on to a platform the music was not originally intended for.
That’s what I am thinking anyway. i am no copyright law expert so I wouldn’t know. For all I know I could be talking the biggest load of BS right now
Brian Murphy
December 18, 2013 at 18:32
So, basically what Youtube is doing here is single handedly giving the public games review/preview etc… industry to Twitch TV? Great thinking Youtube, brilliant strategy.
Willem Swanepoel
December 19, 2013 at 08:20
I have watched a video where the one guy explains everything about this copyright en content id crap.
Youtube is taking something like 50-60% of the advert fees and the people who uploads their videos only get a small amount. So Youtube is making a F*** load of money out of these guys and they do fawkoll to help these guys out …
THAT is corporate greed … well done Youtube, you just landed on my hate list … hmm *looks at my hate list*
Apple, Microsoft, EA … o look there space for another one ;-)~
kinv
November 23, 2020 at 12:46
thanks zoe