Too Many Complicated Regulations! Reasons Behind Character and Music Restrictions. An Explanation of the Basics of Copyright in Weddings!

What are the 【regulations】 regarding weddings?

Things you learn for the first time as a bride-to-be, such as rules and regulations regarding weddings.

For example, character wedding cakes are not allowed, using songs by famous artists is prohibited, music for videos requires copyright clearance, and so on...

Various opinions are circulating on social media, such as "The wedding venue said no," and "Is this okay?"

It would be scary if you unknowingly broke the regulations.

In this article, I've summarized the rules, manners, and moral violations that brides preparing for their weddings might be wondering about, such as "Hmm? Is this okay?"

Let’s review the basics once again ♩

Wedding Copyright Issue 1: Are character wedding cakes not allowed?

You often see character wedding cakes at weddings, right? Character wedding cakes are cute and are the cake of your dreams ♡

But...

Essentially, making character wedding cakes is considered "not allowed."

You’ve probably heard the term copyright before. Copyright is one of the intellectual property rights that protect books, words, music, brands, and characters.

It is not permitted for others to use or sell them without permission.

As an exception, it is deemed okay within a "limited scope such as personal or household use." So, for example, making a character cake at home and eating it is fine.

However, if a wedding venue makes and sells a cake to the bride and groom, it becomes commercial use, and thus, it is not allowed.

Of course, there are venues that have officially obtained permission from the character's rights holder, and in that case, it's fine ♡

But there are many character cakes on social media, right?

However, some might wonder, "But I've seen brides posting character cakes on Instagram..."

Some venues may kindly create original cakes that are close to the character's world to fulfill the requests of the bride and groom.

However, in principle, there is a risk that the wedding venue could be sued by the rights holder, so it is a breach of manners and morals for the bride and groom to request, "Please make a cake with this character."

If you insisted on having a cake that evokes the character's world, refrain from posting it on social media.

If another bride sees that cake and says, "The senior bride posted a character cake on Instagram!" the wedding venue would be in real trouble.

It is entirely natural that wedding venues cannot make character cakes. It is wrong to put pressure on the wedding venue regarding that. Let's understand this.

By the way, there are also things that are okay ♡

If you are disappointed that you might not be able to make your dream wedding cake...! Don't worry.

The character you have in mind might not infringe on copyright!

For example, The Little Mermaid.

Ariel, the protagonist of Disney's "The Little Mermaid," is copyrighted by Disney, so using that is definitely not allowed…

However, "The Little Mermaid," which is the original story, is a fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen.

Copyright expires 50 years after the author's death, so the Little Mermaid is now copyright-free.

This means it's okay to make a cake inspired by the Little Mermaid.

Please be careful not to infringe on copyright while designing your ideal cake.

Wedding Copyright Issue 2: Can you use any music?

The next area of concern is "Can I freely use artists' songs?"

To play music at the wedding venue, "permission is required."

To obtain permission, you need to apply to ISUM (a general incorporated association for the promotion of specific music usage).

However, the wedding venue arranges BGM and applies for the music used in videos played at the venue, so there’s no need for you to worry about that.

If you want to specify BGM for each scene, you can bring in purchased CDs without any problem.

Just be careful with self-made videos.

If you add music to a self-made video, there is a possibility that it won't be allowed to be played at the venue.

If you are preparing a self-made video, check in advance with the wedding venue about how to go about it ◎

It would be truly shocking if you started making something only to find out later that "this song cannot be used"!

If you bring copyright or legal issues to the wedding venue, they cannot do anything about it.

Remember that with self-made videos, you need to be especially careful with music!

Wedding Copyright Issue 3: Is it okay to “give away” or “sell” on Instagram or blogs?

On Instagram, you often see things like "I'm giving this away" or "Accepting orders." Is this a good thing?

First, giving away is basically okay ♩

Since you are passing on your used items (second-hand), it’s the same as a flea market. It’s like the popular flea market apps.

However, since these are personal transactions on Instagram and blogs, there can be trouble. So whether you are giving something away or receiving something, handle it with proper decorum.

In that regard, using major flea market apps or auction sites may be safer since businesses act as intermediaries, leading to fewer issues compared to personal transactions ♩

However, if you are not just giving away your used items personally but are selling second-hand dresses or items sourced from abroad, you need a "second-hand dealer license."

Selling used items without this license is against the law, so be careful.

Buyers should also be aware that they may be contributing to illegal trade.

➡ Check out the troubles seniors brides have faced with giving things away here

So, what about selling on Instagram?

There are many brides and newlyweds selling products on Instagram, right?

Some brides, seeing how well things turned out at their own weddings, sell the same items for less or accept orders.

But...! Did you know there are various rules when it comes to selling as an individual?

When selling as an individual, you must also adhere to the Act on Specified Commercial Transactions. Once you make sales, you need to file tax returns and pay taxes.

If you don't follow these rules and sell products without authorization, you might end up evading taxes, or facing a tax audit.

Many brides currently sell products casually on Instagram, but everyone should understand the regulations before buying and selling.

And of course, selling imitations of characters or brands is absolutely not allowed. Please refrain from doing that!

Avoid buying illegal character merchandise as well. Using illegal items for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding is not recommended.

"But senior brides are doing it" won't cut it! Let's follow the rules and enjoy wedding preparations ♩

I have discussed wedding copyright issues and the giving away and selling on platforms like Instagram.

It's easy to think, “Senior brides are doing it” or “Everyone is doing it” regarding wedding cakes, music, and sales, but socially unacceptable things are unacceptable.

You wouldn't want happy memories of your wedding to turn into problems later due to not following the rules, right? Please adhere to the rules and enjoy the preparations for your wedding ♡