copyrighted vs uncopyrighted material found on the net

[a_lily]

I am trying to figure out how to decipher copyrighted music and other media material from uncopyrighted music/media material that is available on the net. I am making a movie and would like to use some music/clips from the net but can't figure out what is and isn't copyrighted. Please respond with any answers or suggestions ASAP.
Thanks

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by a_lily:
I am trying to figure out how to decipher copyrighted music and other media material from uncopyrighted music/media material that is available on the net. I am making a movie and would like to use some music/clips from the net but can't figure out what is and isn't copyrighted. Please respond with any answers or suggestions ASAP.
Thanks<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My response:

That's because everything on the Net is already "copyrighted" by the author when it is placed on the Net. A copyright is automatic. If you use your search engine, you can find sites concerning copyright law for further particulars; e.g., gaining permission to use such materials.

IAAL



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[HomeGuru]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by I AM ALWAYS LIABLE:
My response:

That's because everything on the Net is already "copyrighted" by the author when it is placed on the Net. A copyright is automatic. If you use your search engine, you can find sites concerning copyright law for further particulars; e.g., gaining permission to use such materials.

IAAL

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Everything on the net is already copyrighted by virtue of WWW publication through internet exposure, but various works have not been officially and formally registered with US Copyright office. Some music/songs either have no copyright or a "public domain copyright" because the songs are so old that the composer/author is unknown or the songs are traditional and commonly used. Once such song is Happy Birthday.

There are several companies that sell a collection of music and sounds on a CD format for your very purpose. Once you purchase the CD, you have an exclusive and free use of the music since the producer bought and owns the copyright. This type of music is commonly called copyright free. It is not really free since part of the money goes to pay the producer (royalty) but you as the owner have no additional royalty fees to pay. Another option is to hire a good local keyboard player to write music on a "contract for hire basis" so you retain the copyright. I have seen keyboard players compose and record music entirely from their keyboards that sound like full 10 piece bands including acoustic guitars, horns and strings. The technology with the use of sampling is amazing.