I'm currently writing a book, and my original plan was to have song titles as my chapter names.... however, I suddenly wondered - is that plaguarism (sp?) or what? I don't really know the rules on this so can any of you help?
Should I write to the artist - or her record company (all the titles are from the same artist) and ask permisssion to use them - or what!? Help!
2007-02-12 21:43:30 · 10 answers · asked by Bella Donna 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
No, it is not plagiarism, but it may be a copyright infringement. You are correct in writing to the artist's label and discussing your interest in using their material.
2007-02-12 21:49:26 · answer #1 · answered by Curious1usa 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure if song titles are copyrighted. Many have similar or identical names. I believe it's the lyrics and music that is copyrighted. If you specifically refer to the artist or song in the chapter then that may be a cause for concern, but if you're just using the song titles as chapter names and nothing else i can't see a problem with that.
2007-02-12 21:55:44 · answer #2 · answered by Bror Jace 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Many songs have the same title for instance a generic song title like "Breathe" has been used by many different artists. You can't exactly go writing each and every person that has used this title. Since you are using many titles from the same artist, it wouldn't hurt to write a letter asking permission, but I think as long as you avoid using any of the song's lyrics, you will be fine.
2007-02-12 22:43:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
According to copyright law, titles are not covered by copyright protection. However, in your SPECIFIC situation, there could be an issue with "right to publicity." The right to publicity means that a celebrity is entitled to profit from their own celebrity. By using all of the song titles of a single celebrity, it could be construed that you are trying to capitalize on this person's celebrity. They could decide to sue you.
Now legally, you are probably still on safe ground. However, you need to ask yourself if you can afford to defend against a lawsuit? Unless the song titles are intregal to your story for some reason, I would suggest simply using something else. Or not using chapter titles at all. Most works of modern fiction do not have separate sub-titles for chapters, so it really isn't something to make you crazy.
2007-02-13 00:56:13 · answer #4 · answered by bardsandsages 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The song may be covered by copyright, however am not sure about titles, as there are frequently vastly different songs with the same titles. If they are all by the same artist, I would write to them, via their agent. But to be honest, I can't see them refusing you permission, cos if your book sells well, then they will get indirect publicity.
2007-02-13 07:25:31 · answer #5 · answered by i_am_jean_s 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, that would not be plagiarism , as you would not be passing the works off as your own - which is what plagiarism is. But you must ask permission to use them - not to do so could well be a breach of copyright and render you liable to a law suit. If permission is given. you will most likely be required to acknowledge that.
BTW, re the spelling - there is a built in spell check on answers, you know.
2007-02-12 21:50:56 · answer #6 · answered by rdenig_male 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should ask permission from the owner of the copyright of the song title for permission to use the title. The record company will assist you in this. It is said that if you copy directly from a few written works it is plagiarism. If you copy directly from many it is research.
2007-02-12 21:48:53 · answer #7 · answered by BARROWMAN 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Hey
Yes you do have to worry about copyright and infringment and plagerism and all that and this is all good advice but before you get too sacred and panicky the question is : what is the actual CONTEXT in which you are using the song titiles?
OOOPs just realised its late. I will come back on and finish this answer in he morning!!1 Haha Sorry
Hugs
Fizzy
2007-02-15 14:00:54 · answer #8 · answered by Fizz24 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't plagiarism, it would be copyright infringement, and that can be dealt with by getting permission from the owner of the rights.
2007-02-12 22:48:42 · answer #9 · answered by Dan A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wanted to use "Windows" in a storyline i was writing, so i asked bill gates... he ignored me..so i asked again, and still he blanked me.. so i asked a 3rd time and said that as he ignored me, i will takwe it as acceptance.. well, ten minutes later i got a very snotty letter off microsoft legal... cease and desist...
arrogant ****, i was setting him up as saviour of the world... in the end i replied and said, well, thats tough ****, i suppose teh world canbe saved on a MAC...
be careful of copyright. (in the end i called it Win-Dos) which isnt copyrighted..
2007-02-12 21:51:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋