Top 10 Copyright Myths


Top 10 Copyright Myths

Myth #1: If a song is public domain, I can use it any way I like.
Truth: A song that is in the public domain can be used freely for both for non profit and for profit. Laws regarding public domain vary from country to country, so do your homework before you run with something. Also, recordings of a public domain song are NOT public domain. You will need to come up with your own recording or properly license a recording.

Myth #2: If a composer is dead, his songs are no longer protected by copyright.
Truth: Wrong. As a rule of thumb, for songs composed after January 1, 1978, copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus an additional seventy years. For songs published before 1978, the length of the copyright depends on multiple factors. To check on the copyright protection for a specific work, consult chapter three of the Copyright Act.

Myth #3: If I only use a few seconds or a few bars of a piece of music, I am not violating the copyright.
Truth: Wrong again. Stealing just a few groceries from the supermarket is still stealing. Right? Enough said.

Myth #4: If I am using music for a non-profit, I don't have to get permission from the copyright owner.
Truth: While many publishers or copyright holders may have friendlier standards for non-profit organizations, the law holds them to the same set of rules as anybody else.

Myth #5: If I find a piece of music on the internet, it is free to use.
Truth: If you have followed the lawsuit trail of the Recording Industry Association of America at all, you know this is not the case. Illegal file sharing has huge penalties. Not true.

Myth #6: If a recording does not print the copyright symbol (the little c inside a circle), I am free to use it.
Truth: Song owners are not required to tell you that it is illegal to steal their music in order for it to be illegal. As of 1989, the copyright notice is not required in order to protect works.

Myth #7: If I change a piece of music slightly, I can use it.
Truth: Not really. If slightly change a piece of music, you run the risk of copyright infringement. If you are going to go to that much trouble, go ahead and create an original work. The possibilities for creating original work are endless.

Myth #8: As long as I legally purchased a CD, I have the right to use the music on it however I want.
Truth: Buying a CD does not give you the legal right to do anything you want with the music. It gives you the right to listen to and enjoy the music for yourself and amongst your friends. As you probably know, unauthorized duplication is a violation of copyright law, as is unauthorized synchronization to audio and/or visual performances. In order to synchronize the music with an an audio/visual production, you would need a synchronization license from a reputable <a href=""http://www.royaltyfreemusiclibrary"">royalty free music library</a>.

Myth #9: If I get a compulsory license, I can do whatever I want with the song.
Truth: A typical compulsory license only allows you to re-record a song that belongs to someone else. You will still have to pay the appropriate licensing fees. It does not give you the full freedom that is granted to the copyright holder.

Myth #10: Royalty free music is not subject to copyright laws and is free to use.
Truth: While the term may be a bit confusing, Royalty Free Music is not free. Typically, it means that you pay a one time licensing fee to use the music in timed relation with audio and/or visual productions. The term "Royalty Free" is derived from the fact that you do not repeatedly pay a royalty each time you use the music as you would in a typically licensing scenario.