NMC/MPA Copyright Awareness Scholarship

Sponsor: The Music Publishers Association of the United States and the National Music Council (NMC)

Purpose: To encourage students to creatively present their viewpoints on the importance of intellectual property and copyright law

Award Amount: Up to $10,000 (allocated among up to three winners at judges' discretion)

Geographic Scope: United States (all 50 states and District of Columbia)

Eligibility

• Age: Between 13 and 25 years old at time of application
• Enrollment Status: Currently enrolled in an accredited secondary school or post-secondary institution (college, university, or trade school)
• Residency: Legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia, OR individuals currently studying in one of the 50 states/DC on a valid F-1 Student Visa
• Documentation: Students must supply contact information of school official for enrollment verification
• Ineligible: Current employees, officers, directors, and agents of Sponsor and their immediate family members (spouse, parents, siblings, children)

Submission Format

• Medium: Video format only
• Content: Creative presentation of viewpoints on the importance of intellectual property and copyright law
• Allowable Formats: .mp4, .m4v, .mov, or .wmv
• File Size: 8MB or less
• Length: 30 seconds to 3 minutes
• Content Requirements: Must consist primarily of original material
• Naming Convention: Files must be named with student name (e.g., jennifer_smith.m4v, john_harris.mov)

Application Process

• Selection Timeline: Judges select winners on or about June 15; winners notified by end of August
• Winners: Up to 3 winners selected
• Judgment Criteria: Well-constructed submissions that clearly and creatively address the topic

Additional Notes

• All submissions become property of Sponsor and will not be returned
• Winners must be able to supply high-quality version of their video
• If submissions contain copyrighted material, evidence of permission required or submission will be disqualified
• By submitting, applicants agree Sponsor may use name, voice, and/or likeness for advertising/promotion
• Sponsor receives worldwide perpetual non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, distribute submissions for educational/promotional purposes
• Applicant may terminate license after 5 years with written notice

How to Apply

1. Go to www.mpa.org
2. Follow instructions for completing the Application
3. Upload your video submission
4. Submit by the deadline (no later than 11:59 PM EST)

Required Materials

• Completed application form
• Video file in approved format (.mp4, .m4v, .mov, or .wmv)
• File must be 8MB or less
• Video length: 30 seconds to 3 minutes
• File named with student's name

Submission Requirements

• Original Content: Submissions must consist primarily of original material
• Copyrighted Material: If submission contains copyrighted material (song, video clip, etc.) owned by third parties, must submit evidence of permission to use
• Collaboration: If collaborated with third parties, must submit their names and contact information plus confirmation they granted permission for use
• Disqualification: Submissions with copyrighted material lacking permission evidence will be automatically disqualified
• Content Restrictions: Written, pictorial, audio, or video responses that are obscene, pornographic, defamatory, or otherwise objectionable will be disqualified

Topic Guidance

Consider addressing these questions in your video:

• Who does copyright protect?
• Why is it important to protect intellectual property?
• What would the world be like if there were no protections for intellectual property?
• Why do you think people ignore copyright laws?
• What can other students learn from watching your video?

Important Notes

• Limit: One application and submission per person
• No exceptions for late submissions
• Sponsor assumes no responsibility for lost, late, misdirected, or unintelligible entries