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. (Link no longer works. Here is the Internet Archive version. Update 2025-03-28)

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.