Copyright/Public Domain ???

Subject: Copyright/Public Domain ???
From: khandu
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 03:57 PM

This has probably been addressed before on the forum, but, here it is again.

Where/how may I find out if a song is under copyright or in the public domain?

khandu

Subject: RE: Copyright/Public Domain ???
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 24 Mar 02 - 04:28 PM

Ask here, I'd reckon.

Any number of songs that are traditional and in the public domain have been subject to attempts by people to copyright them; so the fact that a song appeared on a list of copyright songs, even with a name and date attached, wouldn't necessarily mean much.

But if you set up a thread here asking the question about a particular song, you've got very good chance of finding out the true facts of the matter. (Such as that a particular arrangement is copyright, but that other versions aren't.)

Subject: RE: Copyright/Public Domain ???
From: T in Oklahoma (Okiemockbird)
Date: 28 Mar 02 - 07:24 PM

For general infomation, check out www.pdinfo.com

Another source is Stephen Fishman's book The Public Domain.

Another place to check is here.

And, as McGrath said, you can post a query here at the Mudcat on the origins of a song. If it's an old or traditional song, the chances are reasonably good that someone on this list can tell you where and when was its earliest known publication.

T.