It’s time for a new hobby.
It’s summertime, and many people are looking for a new hobby to pick up over the next few months. Some people are going to travel more, and others are going to start working on their beach body. But maybe in your case, you might be wanting to get into something more creative. You might be wanting to make music, or you could be considering getting into film.
Whether you’re a filmmaker or musician, it’s always good to be aware of music copyright law. Check out below to see what happens if you do break the law, and read the 5 ways you can avoid that sticky situation.
Understanding Music Copyright Laws
Music copyright laws seem to be an issue everyone is aware of but that few people actually understand. If you’re making music or adding music to your film, it’s important you do your research.
Copyright acts as protection around people’s creative products. They protect movies, novels, and songs. It’s like when you put your name on a college final because those are your answers and no one else’s.
In it’s simplest form, copyright is the exclusive right to sell, copy, or distribute a piece of work. No one else can sell or copy something that you make protected by copyright laws. Selling and inheriting copyright is allowed.
Examples of breaking copyright include an author stealing a paragraph from someone else’s novel or a songwriter stealing a few verses from another band’s song.
What Happens If I Break a Copyright Law?
Remember in school when teachers threatened expulsion if they discovered you committed plagiarism? It was for good reason. There can be severe consequences of breaking copyright depending on the situation.
There are several levels of consequences for breaking copyright law. On a lower level, you might just have your copyrighted materials taken away. For example, YouTube may ask you to delete a video of you using someone else’s audio if you’re profiting from the video.
On more serious levels, you could be sued for thousands of dollars. This money could be everything you made from stealing from someone, or the money could be the amount needed to repay the lost value of the original product.
You could even face heavy dues and fees from a court case, and you might even find yourself serving some time in jail.
You Might Lose Your Credibility
Not only could you be shoveling out a big chunk of money for breaking copyright laws, but you might also lose your credibility as a musician, filmmaker, or overall creator. No one wants to collaborate with a thief!
If you’re caught taking from other artists, word spreads fast. This could greatly stunt your growth as an artist.
5 Ways to Prevent Breaking Copyright Laws as a Creator
Now that you understand copyright laws a bit better, we’re here to help you avoid a court case. Below are 5 ways to prevent breaking copyright laws.
1. Stick to Original Content
Instead of sitting and wondering, “Is this song copyrighted?“, stick to making original music or using original audio.
While it’s completely appropriate and encouraged to be inspired by other artists, only take inspiration away from it. Don’t copy from them. Constantly challenge yourself to create original content for your fanbase.
Not only will you be able to avoid the legal hassle, but you’ll also feel extremely proud of yourself for pushing yourself. Your fans will appreciate it even more.
2. Look Into Public Domain Music
Public domain music is up for use! Music typically enters the public domain either through the original artist allowing for it to, or the copyright laws have expired.
Yes, copyright laws do expire. They expire 70 years after the death of the last remaining member of the band or after the death of the single original creator. However, just because something is in the public domain doesn’t mean you can take it and claim it as yours.
3. Check Out Royalty-Free Music
Are you needing some music for a commercial or for sampling? Check out sites with royalty-free music.
These sites have a small pool of free songs you can use. They might ask for small fees to access the entire music library.
Make sure to look at site reviews to make sure the site is trustworthy. If it seems a bit sketchy, it probably is. Trust your gut.
4. Initially Assume the Work Is Protected
Instead of assuming things are up for grabs online, it’s best to always first assume things are protected by music copyright laws.
Bookmark things online that appeal to you, and do your research after you discover them. If the original creator makes themselves available through email, you should consider reaching out to discuss the use of their content.
In general, if it’s online, it’s best not to assume it’s up for grabs. Even if you think you could get away with it, don’t even try!
5. Understand Copyright vs. Trademark
There are technical differences between music copyright laws and trademarks. Knowing these differences will help you out.
A trademark is a symbol or image that acts as an identification for a brand. For example, if you see golden arches in your city, you immediately recognize you’re approaching a McDonald’s.
As stated above, copyright laws protect the entire creative work of an original creator. This doesn’t mean you can’t eat a McDonald’s cheeseburger in your film or rap a McDonald’s catch-phrase in your new song.
Just don’t directly steal their marketing, especially if your videos or songs are earning money.
Protect Yourself Today
Protect yourself from trouble today by understanding copyright law and how to avoid breaking it. Plus, you might surprise yourself with all of the original content you’re capable of making!
As a creator, take time to research and understand copyright laws. Look into music within the public domain, and check out royalty-free sites you can sign up for. If you’re left completely confused, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lawyer for clarification.
Are you searching for the best music library subscription for your next big project? You’ve come to the right place. Check out our pricing to get started.