Hi, 

I am using Camtasia Studio to capture my screen activity so that I can
create software training tutorials that I can deliver and sell online.

1. I would like to create tutorials on how to use software like
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint as well as many other software
titles from other companies.

2. In the first scenario (# 1)  the software applications are
installed on my machine and I am recording my voice while I explain
how to use the software. In the second scenario I would also create
tutorials on how to use various web based tools so I would need to
record various tools as delivered via a website through my browser
(i.e. demonstrating how to use eBay to sell something).

An example of the format is at:
http://www.techsmith.com/videos/studio/Tutorials/using_camtasia_studio_2.html?movie=2

My question is do I need to seek copyright permission or any other
type of permission/clearance from these companies to move forward with
my plan? Is there a distinction between the two different issues
(software installed on my machine vs. software delivered via a web
browser)?

I would be using the recordings for commercial purposes. 

Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide on this issue.

---

Request for Question Clarification by pafalafa-ga on 30 Sep 2005 07:44 PDT

mikemat-ga,

General rule of thumb is that, indeed, you do need permission to use
names, excerpts, images, or anything else that by right of copyright
or trademark, belongs to Microsoft (or any other software maker).

This is especially true for commercial activities.  I don't think the
fact of the material being housed on your own PC, or off the web, is
really much of a factor.

Of course, you can proceed without permission, and Microsoft may never
notice, or may notice and simply not care to make a fuss.  A great
many times this is exactly what happens -- infringements are simply
too minor, or too legally ambiguous, to be worth taking action.

But do you want to take that chance?

Beyond this matter-of-fact statement of mine, though (I've done a lot
of copyright questions here at Google Answers) what sort of
information are you seeking?

Let us know how we can best assist you.

pafalafa-ga