copyright

Subject: copyright
From: GUEST,rupert
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 03:23 AM

I need to know where I stand if I write satirical versions of covers, and perform them as a stand up comediene Anybody know?

Subject: RE: copyright
From: pavane
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 03:25 AM

Parody may be allowed as 'Fair comment' as I understand, but best to check it out. It will also depend on where you are, because copyright laws vary.

Subject: RE: copyright
From: GeorgeH
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 06:16 AM

And the law is not entirely the same on the two sides of the Atlantic . .

I've seen a discussion of this before . . my recollection is that the REAL problems come if you want to record or publish them . .

G.

Subject: RE: copyright
From: John P
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 08:45 AM

You can perform anything you like, at least in the US. Copyright issues are the concern of the venue. You only need to worry if you record or otherwise distribute, or if you are the venue -- like, if you rent the hall and organize the show yourself.

As for recording parodies, I seem to remember hearing about cases going both ways. It might be safer to get permission from the copyright holder, even if it means paying a few cents per copy of your CD. If you are making money on it, the original writer of the song deserves some compensation anyway.

John Peekstok

Subject: RE: copyright
From: GUEST,rossey
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 10:27 PM

In the UK you could be beaking the 1988 copyright act. Every writer has the right not to have their work subjected to 'derogatory treatment".

Also you would be creating an unauthorised arrangement of a copyright work if you used sections of the tune and words. However, if its for performence purposes only then a blind eye will usually be turned to a fair game parody. However, the author/composer would be entitled to any performing/record royalty fee for your adapation of his work - as it is counted as being his whole work, even if you set new lyrics to it. Unless you have entered into an agreement for a share and that has been notified to PRS/MCPS (uk wise).

In theory the writer could stop you performing the song altogether, although this is difficult in practice.

Subject: RE: copyright
From: toadfrog
Date: 28 Jun 01 - 11:52 PM

Whether parodies constitute fair use is an extremely complicated and fact-intensive question, at least in the United States. I think everyone who reads newspapers has heard about "The Wind Done Gone," where if memory serves me right, the 11th Circuit overruled the District Court which had decided it infringed the copyright on "Gone With the Wind." If you are in the United States, and copyright holder is prickly or rich, it's not a bad idea to consult a lawyer.

If you'll excuse a dumb question, what is a "cover"?

Subject: RE: copyright
From: GUEST,Palm Civet
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 12:07 AM

A cover is when you perform a song written by someone else. Ive never heard parodies refered to that way. But I guess its a fair use of the word.

Want some coffee? only $300.00

Subject: RE: copyright
From: paddymac
Date: 29 Jun 01 - 06:01 AM

I think PC's definition of "cover" is a bit broad. In general usage, it's more commonly used to describe performing a version/arrangement popularized by someone else - i.e.; immitation. Doing your own arrangement of a tune/song generally is not so maligned. Such definitions tend to get a bit blurred around the edges, however.