Q: I'll try again. I need some copyright advice. Can I use music that is readily in the PD (movie soundtracks, etc.)
to be included in a book I am writing? The purpose of the music is to be played when reading certain chapters. The proceeds of any book revenue will be going to a national known charity. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks, Steve
A: If it is in the public domain, yes, but I fear you misunderstand what PD actually is. Movie soundtracks are not in the public domain automatically anymore than poems. In order for it to be in the public domain, the work needs to have never been copyrighted (assuming other factors are in place) or the copyright has expired. See this chart for a detailed analysis: http://copyright.cornell.edu/resources/publicdomain.cfm
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
