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Tag: copyright
Music Copyright is Irreparably Broken
A while back, I posted about how music copyright developed awkwardly out of a system of laws meant for books. I also explained how and […]
Music Copyright 101, Part One: Why is it So Confusing?
Music copyright is one of the least accessible aspects of music. I find that really frustrating, because I think music should be something everyone can […]
A Copyright Mystery – The “Rule of the Shorter Term” and the Public Domain in Canada
This is the kind of law blog post that I dread. I’m about to write about something I’m unsure about. And, if it wasn’t for […]
Using Creative Commons Licensed Music? Take a Beat and Do it Right.
Yesterday I wrote a blog post about open source software licenses for Slingshot, my law firm’s legal service for start-ups and small businesses (I promise […]
Can You Get Sued for (allegedly) Ripping Off Your Own Music? John Fogerty did.
Here’s something that happens semi-frequently – my band is writing a song and it’s feeling good, catchy, but also somehow familiar. And then we realize […]
A COVID-19 Relief Bill Creates a New Court for U.S. Copyright Disputes
*UPDATE: On December 27, 2020, the CASE Act was signed into law, and a new U.S. small claims copyright court was born. You probably heard […]
Public Domain Day 2021 – More Music is Soon Free of Copyright in the USA… What about Canada?
Copyright terms (e.g. years of protection) for music differ in Canada and the United States. That’s an issue that’s being partially addressed in the Canada-United […]
Bob Dylan Sold His Copyright… What Does That Mean?
Bob Dylan has apparently sold the copyright in his entire catalogue to Universal Music for an estimated $300m USD. But what does that mean, exactly?
Re-record Restrictions and Live Streaming Shows
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many musicians have turned to live streaming shows. But if you are signed to a label, it’s important to pay attention […]