I am new here. Great forum I want to make some let's play videos on youtube for minecraft. I am worried though about copyright issues. I basically just want to play online and build a world with commentary. I have read we cannot use any other players creations in the videos. How can I be certain I am not using something another player created? If I am playing offline that means it is not another players creation right? I just don't want to do anything wrong that could bring legal action into my life. Thanks and hope my question makes sense
Don't, for instance, copy another player's build (say, by following their tutorial video) when building your own. Use only ideas from your own head, built in your own way, and you should always be safe. If you do want to copy someone else's build, you can always ask their permission to use it. If they do give you permission to copy their work, then they can't sue you. The only catch would be if they actually copied someone else's work... then the permission you need would be from the original creator.
Thanks for the reply. I am just building from scratch. But what if I accidentally build something like someone else? Say my house looks the same as another player? I am confused about this. I am just planning on building whatever I want to build. But seems someone else might have already built it considering the tens of thousands of youtube videos? Or should I worry about this? Also, can I upload videos without any issues? I am playing offline survival mode and will only use what the game comes with.
Thanks for the reply. I am just building from scratch. But what if I accidentally build something like someone else? Say my house looks the same as another player? I am confused about this. I am just planning on building whatever I want to build. But seems someone else might have already built it considering the tens of thousands of youtube videos? Or should I worry about this? Also, can I upload videos without any issues? I am playing offline survival mode and will only use what the game comes with.
The bottom line here is that if you are indeed creating using your own ideas, you should be as safe as one can be... even if parts of it turn out accidentally looking like something out there somewhere. Also, the more complex your own builds and videos are, the less likely it is that they'll wind up accidentally looking like someone else's. If you are indeed copying someone else's work without permission, you're not actually ever safe... even if you make changes to it try to make it look like your own work.
One thing to consider is that launching a law suit against someone costs some money, so law suits generally don't just happen at the drop of a hat; that is, the person who does the suing generally has to at least believe they have a good enough case to succeed in eventually gaining enough money out of you (or from future views of their video) to pay for the legal costs of suing you over yours.
As far as whatever restrictions Mojang/Microsoft might have regarding the use of their game, the Minecraft name, and/or logo, you should probably contact them directly to make sure you stay within whatever they allow for YouTubers.
Have you guys ever heard of another user suing another user? I am not copying anything, just worried I could accidentally make something like someone else considering there are like 50 million minecraft videos etc. So basically I wouldn't have to worry about a law suit right? Just my youtube channel getting shut down? Also, as far as I have read on the Mojang website we are allowed to make "let's play" videos. Is there any way I contact the owner/publisher though just to be certain?
Have you guys ever heard of another user suing another user? I am not copying anything, just worried I could accidentally make something like someone else considering there are like 50 million minecraft videos etc. So basically I wouldn't have to worry about a law suit right? Just my youtube channel getting shut down? Also, as far as I have read on the Mojang website we are allowed to make "let's play" videos. Is there any way I contact the owner/publisher though just to be certain?
No, I've not personally heard of a Minecraft player suing another Minecraft player. Again, if you are generating your builds out of your own head, you are as safe as anyone can be. You can't really be accused of copying a video you haven't ever even seen, can you? However, you seem to be looking for some sort of guarantee here; and I'm sorry but no one can provide that since people can try to sue others anytime if they want to spend the money it takes to launch a lawsuit through a lawyer... even if they may be unlikely to win their lawsuit.
I'm not sure what part of the Mojang website you're reading, but here is a link to their EULA (End User License Agreement), which describes in detail what users are allowed to do and not allowed to do with respect to videos using Minecraft (as well information on providing mods and other activities commonly associated with Minecraft): https://account.mojang.com/documents/minecraft_eula
However, please note that Minecraft is mentioned specifically as being exempt from certain of Microsoft's normal restrictions due to Mojang already having their own rules at the time Microsoft bought Mojang (which are more lenient than Microsoft's).
You're overthinking this WAY too much. Nobody is going to sue you over a house that looks like someone else's. And with as many people playing minecraft as there are, there's a high chance that somebody else has created what you create. The only way it would be a problem is of you copy someone else's original creation block for block and then claim that is was something of your own design. Even then, the chances that the original creator finds your video, gets angry and creates a problem of it are extremely low. It's also perfectly fine to use a design off of YouTube, or from a book and put it in your video (If your really worried, just give them credit),essentially every YouTuber does this. Bottom line, open your channel, don't worry about copying and lawsuits and do what you want.
Don't, for instance, copy another player's build (say, by following their tutorial video) when building your own. Use only ideas from your own head, built in your own way, and you should always be safe. If you do want to copy someone else's build, you can always ask their permission to use it. If they do give you permission to copy their work, then they can't sue you. The only catch would be if they actually copied someone else's work... then the permission you need would be from the original creator.
Realistically, suing someone isnt going to happen. The most one is likely to do is complain to youtube or other video host and have the page taken down. I dont think someone would be able to sue anyone cross country or halfway across the world for a simple video.
That said however, always best to get the authors permission is using a tutorial, its just proper courtesy
Realistically, suing someone isnt going to happen. The most one is likely to do is complain to youtube or other video host and have the page taken down. I dont think someone would be able to sue anyone cross country or halfway across the world for a simple video.
That said however, always best to get the authors permission is using a tutorial, its just proper courtesy
I agree. There simply really isn't enough money lost for most people to get upset about. And it is even more unlikely that anyone trying to sue would be successful. A simple house is pretty standard fair on Minecraft and with limited building blocks available, it is highly likely that most have been duplicated many times already. It might even realistically fall into the realm of common phrases and titles as far as the copyright laws are concerned... which are generally considered to be in the public domain already (unless specifically trademarked).
However, there is a lunacy factor in this world and people have tried stranger things... so, as I said, no one can provide a guarantee that the OP seems to be seeking. I don't really know why the OP is so terribly concerned and I don't really know for certain what he is planning to do...so I've just tried to provide links to the best source information I'm aware of.
As for getting permissions... some YouTubers effectively grant permission for others to copy their tutorial designs because they don't want to be bothered being inundated with permission requests. Mojang has essentially done the same thing (with specific restrictions only) in their EULA. If one stays within the limitations of any permissions given in this "blanket" way, they don't really even have to ask the author individually.
Thanks a lot guys. I am just being careful. I am a little paranoid I suppose. I just wanted to be certain. I think I am being way to paranoid. Haha....sometimes I can be like that. I truly appreciate all of the help you guys have provided.
I'm going to parrot Woodblock here (so please don't sue me):
People are making a much larger issue out of this than it should be.
As Woodblock stated, the only time an issue might arise is if you claim a particular build is your own design. Even then it doesn't really matter since many designs are so popular they have slipped into the "public domain" of minecraft. Furthermore, if you copy a design from watching a Tutorial video you have a very strong case (should litigation result) that the "owner" of the design has tacitly given you a right to use it simply by posting the Tutorial. Just be sure to credit that person in your own video and you're golden.
Also, before a judge will hear a case (at least here in the US) the plaintiff must show that your actions have caused harm, distress or loss of wages in some way. That's extremely hard to prove in this situation. Someone being butt-hurt because you didn't give them a shout-out might be enough to get your Channel shut down, but it's more than likely not enough to get sued over.
Basically, do whatever you want, give credit where credit is due, and don't worry about it.
After reading all of these replies, I think I have the most experience with copyright on this thread. You can recording and upload all the Minecraft videos you want, as long as you're not downloading one someone else uploaded. You can also copy other peoples builds, and you don't HAVE to give credit, but it is recommended because some crazy little kids might flag your video because you copied a bigger YouTuber's build. I hope this helped.
You are allowed to make Let's Plays, record on servers (as long as you put the name in desc.). You can also make creative mode builds and record them, even if they're someone else's, I just recommend giving credit because some little kid might come by and decide to flag your video just because you built someone else's creation.
OP - The safest bet is still to just use your own ideas, but don't excessively worry about it. Just go to the copyright website for whatever country you live in and familiarize yourself with the copyright laws and guidelines there. Then read the Terms of Service (or equivalent) for Minecraft and Xbox and whatever server/site you are aware of that you might be copying in your vids. If you still feel uncomfortable, then just be polite and ask permission of the creator/owner of the vid directly. If they give you permission to use it, you're as safe as can be. If they refuse to give you permission, that's an indicator that they would be upset if you did use it, so then you're safest if you just refrain from using it at that point.
As others have said also, always give credit to others whenever it is due them and you won't risk ruffling their feathers. What "some little kid" who has no ownership rights to the design thinks about it, ultimately has no relevance in the issue... it's the creator/owner of the design that has the right to sue you for infringing on their copyrights and the website hosting your channel has some obligation to at least check out the validity of any complaints prior to taking action against you. So, for example, if you had obtained permission from a design creator to use their design without giving them credit, then the site hosting your channel should not arbitrarily ban your channel just because some kid complains that he thinks you copied a design without permission. The host would need to check it out first... at which point they should discover that you had indeed received permission to use it.
Also, keep in mind that copyright laws cover more than just Mindcraft builds within videos... they cover all tangible creations within the video and the video itself... so, copying things like an original music score used in the video or intro design or parroting another's commentary or unique skin might also be ways in which you might inadvertently infringe on their copyrights.
Hi,
I am new here. Great forum
I want to make some let's play videos on youtube for minecraft. I am worried though about copyright issues. I basically just want to play online and build a world with commentary. I have read we cannot use any other players creations in the videos. How can I be certain I am not using something another player created? If I am playing offline that means it is not another players creation right? I just don't want to do anything wrong that could bring legal action into my life. Thanks and hope my question makes sense 
Don't, for instance, copy another player's build (say, by following their tutorial video) when building your own. Use only ideas from your own head, built in your own way, and you should always be safe. If you do want to copy someone else's build, you can always ask their permission to use it. If they do give you permission to copy their work, then they can't sue you. The only catch would be if they actually copied someone else's work... then the permission you need would be from the original creator.
Thanks for the reply. I am just building from scratch. But what if I accidentally build something like someone else? Say my house looks the same as another player? I am confused about this. I am just planning on building whatever I want to build. But seems someone else might have already built it considering the tens of thousands of youtube videos? Or should I worry about this? Also, can I upload videos without any issues? I am playing offline survival mode and will only use what the game comes with.
Also when building more popular things such as redstone creations like farms and such or copied builds you have
permission to use in your video be sure to give props to those who assisted in teaching you in-game or through
youtube. This will help get you better recognition I would think
Youtube-eonwolfx9, Twitter @eonwolfx9
As for accidental copied builds it is kind of a toss up because anyone can say it was an accident just as well anyone can
say they built that first. In any case your fear of legal action is a bit misconceived. It would be almost impossible for anyone
to say they own any form of creation as it is purely speculative and hear-say. The worst that will happen is your youtube
channel being shut down. It would still require a great amount of effort and evidence to even warrent that type of action
Youtube-eonwolfx9, Twitter @eonwolfx9
Here is a link to a very good page discussing some common myths about copyrights: https://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/copyright/copyright_myths
The bottom line here is that if you are indeed creating using your own ideas, you should be as safe as one can be... even if parts of it turn out accidentally looking like something out there somewhere. Also, the more complex your own builds and videos are, the less likely it is that they'll wind up accidentally looking like someone else's. If you are indeed copying someone else's work without permission, you're not actually ever safe... even if you make changes to it try to make it look like your own work.
One thing to consider is that launching a law suit against someone costs some money, so law suits generally don't just happen at the drop of a hat; that is, the person who does the suing generally has to at least believe they have a good enough case to succeed in eventually gaining enough money out of you (or from future views of their video) to pay for the legal costs of suing you over yours.
As far as whatever restrictions Mojang/Microsoft might have regarding the use of their game, the Minecraft name, and/or logo, you should probably contact them directly to make sure you stay within whatever they allow for YouTubers.
Have you guys ever heard of another user suing another user? I am not copying anything, just worried I could accidentally make something like someone else considering there are like 50 million minecraft videos etc. So basically I wouldn't have to worry about a law suit right? Just my youtube channel getting shut down? Also, as far as I have read on the Mojang website we are allowed to make "let's play" videos. Is there any way I contact the owner/publisher though just to be certain?
By the way. I am just planning on building some houses and a castle. Nothing too extreme.
No, I've not personally heard of a Minecraft player suing another Minecraft player. Again, if you are generating your builds out of your own head, you are as safe as anyone can be. You can't really be accused of copying a video you haven't ever even seen, can you? However, you seem to be looking for some sort of guarantee here; and I'm sorry but no one can provide that since people can try to sue others anytime if they want to spend the money it takes to launch a lawsuit through a lawyer... even if they may be unlikely to win their lawsuit.
I'm not sure what part of the Mojang website you're reading, but here is a link to their EULA (End User License Agreement), which describes in detail what users are allowed to do and not allowed to do with respect to videos using Minecraft (as well information on providing mods and other activities commonly associated with Minecraft): https://account.mojang.com/documents/minecraft_eula
Here is also a link to Microsoft's Game Content Usage Rules: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/developers/rules
However, please note that Minecraft is mentioned specifically as being exempt from certain of Microsoft's normal restrictions due to Mojang already having their own rules at the time Microsoft bought Mojang (which are more lenient than Microsoft's).
... and here is a link to Microsoft's "Contact Us" page: http://support.xbox.com/en-US/contact-us
You're overthinking this WAY too much. Nobody is going to sue you over a house that looks like someone else's. And with as many people playing minecraft as there are, there's a high chance that somebody else has created what you create. The only way it would be a problem is of you copy someone else's original creation block for block and then claim that is was something of your own design. Even then, the chances that the original creator finds your video, gets angry and creates a problem of it are extremely low. It's also perfectly fine to use a design off of YouTube, or from a book and put it in your video (If your really worried, just give them credit),essentially every YouTuber does this. Bottom line, open your channel, don't worry about copying and lawsuits and do what you want.
Realistically, suing someone isnt going to happen. The most one is likely to do is complain to youtube or other video host and have the page taken down. I dont think someone would be able to sue anyone cross country or halfway across the world for a simple video.
That said however, always best to get the authors permission is using a tutorial, its just proper courtesy
Perpetually negative
I agree. There simply really isn't enough money lost for most people to get upset about. And it is even more unlikely that anyone trying to sue would be successful. A simple house is pretty standard fair on Minecraft and with limited building blocks available, it is highly likely that most have been duplicated many times already. It might even realistically fall into the realm of common phrases and titles as far as the copyright laws are concerned... which are generally considered to be in the public domain already (unless specifically trademarked).
However, there is a lunacy factor in this world and people have tried stranger things... so, as I said, no one can provide a guarantee that the OP seems to be seeking. I don't really know why the OP is so terribly concerned and I don't really know for certain what he is planning to do...so I've just tried to provide links to the best source information I'm aware of.
As for getting permissions... some YouTubers effectively grant permission for others to copy their tutorial designs because they don't want to be bothered being inundated with permission requests. Mojang has essentially done the same thing (with specific restrictions only) in their EULA. If one stays within the limitations of any permissions given in this "blanket" way, they don't really even have to ask the author individually.
Thanks a lot guys. I am just being careful. I am a little paranoid I suppose. I just wanted to be certain. I think I am being way to paranoid. Haha....sometimes I can be like that. I truly appreciate all of the help you guys have provided.
I'm going to parrot Woodblock here (so please don't sue me):
People are making a much larger issue out of this than it should be.
As Woodblock stated, the only time an issue might arise is if you claim a particular build is your own design. Even then it doesn't really matter since many designs are so popular they have slipped into the "public domain" of minecraft. Furthermore, if you copy a design from watching a Tutorial video you have a very strong case (should litigation result) that the "owner" of the design has tacitly given you a right to use it simply by posting the Tutorial. Just be sure to credit that person in your own video and you're golden.
Also, before a judge will hear a case (at least here in the US) the plaintiff must show that your actions have caused harm, distress or loss of wages in some way. That's extremely hard to prove in this situation. Someone being butt-hurt because you didn't give them a shout-out might be enough to get your Channel shut down, but it's more than likely not enough to get sued over.
Basically, do whatever you want, give credit where credit is due, and don't worry about it.
After reading all of these replies, I think I have the most experience with copyright on this thread. You can recording and upload all the Minecraft videos you want, as long as you're not downloading one someone else uploaded. You can also copy other peoples builds, and you don't HAVE to give credit, but it is recommended because some crazy little kids might flag your video because you copied a bigger YouTuber's build. I hope this helped.
You are allowed to make Let's Plays, record on servers (as long as you put the name in desc.). You can also make creative mode builds and record them, even if they're someone else's, I just recommend giving credit because some little kid might come by and decide to flag your video just because you built someone else's creation.
OP - The safest bet is still to just use your own ideas, but don't excessively worry about it. Just go to the copyright website for whatever country you live in and familiarize yourself with the copyright laws and guidelines there. Then read the Terms of Service (or equivalent) for Minecraft and Xbox and whatever server/site you are aware of that you might be copying in your vids. If you still feel uncomfortable, then just be polite and ask permission of the creator/owner of the vid directly. If they give you permission to use it, you're as safe as can be. If they refuse to give you permission, that's an indicator that they would be upset if you did use it, so then you're safest if you just refrain from using it at that point.
As others have said also, always give credit to others whenever it is due them and you won't risk ruffling their feathers. What "some little kid" who has no ownership rights to the design thinks about it, ultimately has no relevance in the issue... it's the creator/owner of the design that has the right to sue you for infringing on their copyrights and the website hosting your channel has some obligation to at least check out the validity of any complaints prior to taking action against you. So, for example, if you had obtained permission from a design creator to use their design without giving them credit, then the site hosting your channel should not arbitrarily ban your channel just because some kid complains that he thinks you copied a design without permission. The host would need to check it out first... at which point they should discover that you had indeed received permission to use it.
Also, keep in mind that copyright laws cover more than just Mindcraft builds within videos... they cover all tangible creations within the video and the video itself... so, copying things like an original music score used in the video or intro design or parroting another's commentary or unique skin might also be ways in which you might inadvertently infringe on their copyrights.