BuzzMashr

The Super Bowl is right around the corner and plenty of people are gearing up for game day parties. For many, these parties involve watching the game on a big screen TV accompanied by surround sound. As the popularity of big screen televisions and elaborate sound systems increase, it’s important for party hosts to understand the potential implications of hosting a Super Bowl party.

As it turns out, according to US Code Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 110, it is a violation of copyright law to transmit a broadcast on a television 55″ or larger. Yep, it’s actually there in black and white. Luckily, there’s some fine print that may keep you out of trouble. For instance, as long as you don’t charge people to see the broadcast or attempt to broadcast it to a large audience (via the internet, for example), you are probably within the law.

Big Screen TV

Unfortunately, for small businesses like your local sports bar, the law is a bit more restrictive. There are more limitations regarding the number and size of televisions as well as the location of these TVs within the establishment.

For more tips on Super Bowl Broadcasting, see: Will your big-screen Super Bowl party violate copyright law?

For the cold hard legalities, see: U.S. Copyright Office