Is cutting movie scenes to attract views punishable like piracy

The trend of cutting short movie clips and posting them on social media to “gain views” has become very popular. These clips are often climactic scenes or humorous situations from the film. However, many people mistakenly believe that simply shortening the film content will not violate copyright. Let’s find out with VCD whether cutting movie scenes to gain views is punishable like piracy!

Is cutting movie scenes and posting them online a copyright violation?

According to Clause 1, Article 14 of the 2022 Intellectual Property Law, cinematographic works are classified as works protected by copyright. This means that all film content belongs to the property of the owner, including the right to copy, distribute, and communicate to the public.

Therefore, when an individual cuts a film clip and uploads it to social media, legally speaking, this act is not simply “sharing entertainment content,” but includes two main elements:

• Copying a portion of a film

• Communicating content to the public through a digital platform

Importantly, the law does not require uploading the entire film to be considered a violation. Simply using a portion of copyrighted content without permission, especially for the purpose of attracting views or making money, can still result in legal consequences.

Particularly in today’s social media environment, short film clips are often used to attract views, increase interaction, or even enable monetization. When commercial elements are involved, the level of violation becomes even clearer, as this act can directly affect the exploitation rights and revenue of the copyright holder.

Therefore, “shortening a film” does not change the legal nature of the act. Without permission from the copyright owner, uploading still risks being considered copyright infringement and will be prosecuted according to current laws.

Is cutting scenes to gain views punishable like piracy?

From a legal standpoint, both acts of cutting scenes to gain views and piracy share the commonality of using a cinematic work without the permission of the copyright owner. This is the core element that makes both potentially considered copyright infringement.

However, the degree of violation and the nature of exploitation may differ:

• Pirated films: Usually involves showing the entire or almost entire cinematic work, allowing viewers to replace the legitimate viewing experience without needing a legal source. This clearly demonstrates the nature of illegal copying and distribution on a large scale.

• Cutting scenes to gain views: Using only a portion of the film’s content, usually climactic, attention-grabbing, or highly entertaining scenes. Even without posting the entire film, the original content’s value can still be exploited to attract views, interactions, or generate revenue.

Despite the different forms, in principle, both can be considered copyright infringement, especially in the following cases:

• Content is publicly posted on social media or video platforms

• The purpose is to attract views, increase interaction, or enable advertising monetization

• Or it affects the commercial viability of the original work

In reality, many cases of short, viral film clips are still subject to copyright infringement, removal, or complaints. Furthermore, if the exploitation is systematic or clearly serves a commercial purpose, this behavior can be treated similarly to cases of illegal film re-uploading.

Penalties for cutting film scenes to gain views

Cutting film scenes and posting them on social media to gain views, especially when there’s an element of earning money from advertising or building a commercial channel, can be considered copyright infringement. Depending on the severity of the violation, the scale of exploitation, and the damage caused, the perpetrator may be subject to various forms of punishment, from administrative to criminal.

• Administrative penalties: Fines as stipulated in copyright law, with the amount increasing if the act is commercial in nature or a repeat offense, and requiring the removal of all infringing content from the digital platform.

• Criminal liability (in serious cases): Fines, non-custodial correctional penalties, or imprisonment in cases of organized, large-scale violations with high illicit profits.

The above is an article titled ” Is cutting movie scenes to attract views punishable like piracy?”. Cutting scenes from films to post online for views is not simply an act of sharing entertainment content; it can directly involve copyright infringement under the law.

Sincerely,

FAQ