Crowdfunding
Many musicians, film makers and other artists use crowdfunding platforms to fund their projects. This can raise a number of legal issues so before crowdfunding an artistic project, you should read this information sheet and get legal advice about how these issues apply to your specific crowdfunded film, song or other content.
Crowdfunding has emerged as a viable source of funding for creative projects. Creators can use fan fund/crowdfunding websites to access an international pool of potential supporters of the project. The crowdfunding organization hosting the website which brings the promotor of the project and contributors of funding together, usually deducts an amount from the contributions in payment for its services.
Using crowdfunding necessarily involves posting a short description or treatment of the project requiring financing. Giving publicity to your ideas or creative concepts creates the risk that other people may use your ideas for which copyright law will not provide any protection. (See Arts Law’s information sheet: Copyright). As you are disclosing your ideas or creative concepts to the public you cannot rely on the law of confidentiality to stop people using the information you disclose. (See Arts Law’s information sheet: Protecting your ideas). For more information on the risks in putting up a teaser video, see Arts Law’s information sheet Putting your film or photo online.
Disclaimer
The information in this information sheet is general. It does not constitute, and should be not relied on as, legal advice. The Arts Law Centre of Australia (Arts Law) recommends seeking advice from a qualified lawyer on the legal issues affecting you before acting on any legal matter.
While Arts Law tries to ensure that the content of this information sheet is accurate, adequate or complete, it does not represent or warrant its accuracy, adequacy or completeness. Arts Law is not responsible for any loss suffered as a result of or in relation to the use of this information sheet. To the extent permitted by law, Arts Law excludes any liability, including any liability for negligence, for any loss, including indirect or consequential damages arising from or in relation to the use of this information sheet.
© Arts Law Centre of Australia
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The Arts Law Centre of Australia has been assisted by the Commonwealth Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
