Re: [linux-audio-user] U.S. Copyright: was FOLKS, PAY......

R Parker offered the following on 12/20/2005 12:12 PM:
> Hi,
>
>
>> Sorry, but this is incorrect. Since 1998 any
>>piece of music that has been
>>published (this is a very loose term which includes
>>putting it on a CD and
>>handing it to a friend) is automatically
>>copyrighted. You may register this
>>copyright with the US Copyright Office but this is
>>not required. If you do wish
>>to register the copyright all you need is a cassette
>>tape and a copy of the
>>lyrics (if any).
>
>
> Copyright registration has been on my mind lately. I
> believe single and bulk (album) song registrations
> cost $30.00. That is expensive when you consider how
> the internet has shaped publishing and distribution.
>
> Any of us can write, publish and distribute a song in
> a single day. I don't think anyone wants to pay $30.00
> for every registration.
>
> The $30.00 registration purchases legally acceptable
> evidence of ownership that is presentable in a court
> of law. It is a record of proof but it's not
> exclusive.
>
> We used to do the poor man's registration by mailing
> evidence, songs on a cassette with lyrics, back to
> ourselves in a registered U.S. Postal package. That's
> more affordable but inconvienant.
>
> I want to publish with a free service on the internet
> that establishes an equivalent to the poor man's
> registration. Is this happening yet?
>
> ron
>
>
>>Jan
>
>
>
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Not sure if this question has been answered, but I'll suggest the
Creative Commons project is possibly the first stop to check on what the
current status is regarding licensing for the Internet, and copyright
questions:
www.creativecommons.org
Tom

-- 
Open Studios, Charles City, Iowa, USA
www.ibiblio.org/studioforrecording/