How to get legal permission to use a copyrighted song?
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How to get legal permission to use a copyrighted song?
My employer is a registered charitable organisation. We have decided on using an existing recording of a song as a theme for a series of activities we are planning next year. The song is commonly available for purchase. We are hoping to use the song in internal and external events; some of the events and materials may include promotions of our services and/or fundraising. What steps do we need to take to ensure we are not infringing on the song creator’s copyright? Should we approach the copyright holder?
Asked on November 13, 2012 under Business Law, Ohio
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The ONLY way to get permission to use a copyrighted song for a purpose like this is by getting the permission of the copyright rights holder. You have to approach the rights holder and get them to allow you to use the song. Since you are charitable, they may do so for free; or they may charge you some fee; or the have the right to simply refuse outright if they want, the way some musicians have refused to let political parties use their songs.
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