There were 4 great songs nominated for best Original Song in a Motion Picture in last night’s Academy Awards. They’re so good, that many people would like to use then in their next corporate meeting. But can they?
The manager may say, “We’re not using it to sell anything” or “It’s just for a private event”. But do they have the rights to use the songs or any song they may have gotten from YouTube, iTunes or Google Play?
Many people are confused about what is fair use and what is a donation to the public domain.
Entertainment attorney, Daliah Saper talks with BSVP On-Site about music and content rights to repurpose music and how you might be able to use it in productions.
YouTube has launched a library for anyone to use in their productions http://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary
Music from the YouTube library is intended solely for use by the content creator in videos and other content that they create and even monetize on YouTube. However, they may not use it in any productions elsewhere, online or offline. In addition, there are many sites such as Music Bakery, Pond5 and RoyaltyFreeMusic.com to name just 3.
Saper Law also serves clients with questions about blog entries, contests and online reputation management regarding negative customer feedback, what the proper response is and when should legal get involved.
Academy Award Nominees for Best Original Song
“Happy” from DESPICABLE ME 2
Music and Lyric by Pharrell Williams
“Let It Go” from FROZEN (Winner)
Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
“The Moon Song” from HER
Music by Karen O; Lyric by Karen O and Spike Jonze
“Ordinary Love” from MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM
Music by Paul Hewson, Dave Evans, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen; Lyric by Paul Hewson
