This document discusses copyright basics, including that a copyright protects original works of authorship fixed in a tangible form and lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. It outlines various copyrightable works like music, literature, movies and explains the copyright notice and registration process. The document also covers copyright rights, compulsory licenses, mechanical licenses, regaining copyrights, and works entering the public domain.

1. Music Industry
Copyright Pt 2
www.musicstudentinfo.com
Chris Baker
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2. Copyright Basics
A copyright is defined as: a limited duration monopoly.
A copyright protects “original works of authorship” that
are fixed in a tangible form of expression.
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3. Length of a Copyright
You own a copyright for life plus 70 years.
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4. Copyrightable Works
• Literary works
• Musical works, including any accompanying words
• Dramatic works, including any accompanying music
• Pantomimes and choreographic works
• Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
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5. Copyrightable Works Cont.
• Motion pictures and other audiovisual works.
• Sound recordings.
• Architectural works.
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6. Copyrightable Works Cont.
• Computer programs can be registered as literary
works.
• Maps and architectural plans may be registered as
pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works.
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7. Copyright Form of Notice
For literary works:
The symbol: ©
The year of first publication
The name of copyright owner
Ex: © 2005 Ed Street
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8. Form of Notice Cont.
For Phonorecords of sound recordings:
1. The symbol: ℗
2. The year of first publication
3. The name of copyright owner
4. Ex: ℗ 2005 MDC Records
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9. Poor-Man’s Copyright
• You may send a tangible copy of your work to
yourself via certified mail.
• You may have your work notarized, sealed and kept
in a safe place.
• You may publish your work.
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10. Advantages of filing with Copyright Office
• Power of the law.
• Verifiable, undeniable proof of registration of
ownership.
• Easily accessible records via search engine.
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11. Copyright Filing Requirements
Correctly completed forms
A tangible copy of your work:
Lead sheet, CD, tape, DVD, etc.
Payment:
Copyrights Office
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12. Copyright Rights
A copyright grants you the exclusive right to:
1. Reproduce the work.
2. Distribute copies of the work.
3. Perform the work publicly.
4. Make a derivative work.
5. Display the work publicly.
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13. Copyright Compulsory Licenses
Compulsory means you must issue these licenses to
someone who wants to use your work whether you like
it or not.
Cable television rebroadcasts.
BBC
Jukeboxes
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14. Copyright Compulsory Licenses
1. Digital performance records digital radio and
webcasts.
2. Digital distribution of records internet, phone
and satellite downloads.
3. Phonorecords of non-dramatic musical
compositions.
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15. Copyright Mechanicals
The Copyright Act provides that you must issue a
compulsory license to anyone else who wants to record
it on a phonograph record if it has already been
recorded and:
The song is a non-dramatic work.
The recording has been distributed publicly in
phonorecords.
The new recording will be in phonorecords only.
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16. Regaining a Copyright
Regardless of anything in your songwriter agreement
with the publisher, a work not made for hire that was
assigned by you on or after January 1, 1978 can be
reclaimed by you (or your copyright-entitled heirs) 35
years after the work is published or 40 years after the
assignment, whichever is earlier.
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17. Copyright Public Domain
A work becomes “public domain” after your copyright
expires.
That means anyone can perform or record it without
paying a fee.
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