Is it legal to use old rock and roll songs on your Web site selling stereo equipment?

Answer 1

If the songs are in the public domain- i.e. the copyright has expired or no copyright was ever claimed, then they are free to use as you please.

Otherwise, use of copyrighted material, without permission will generally put you at risk of civil damages: meaning that you can be sued.

There are some exceptions for fair use, such as a brief clip, with proper attribution, in a review piece. But "selling stereo equipment" would not seem likely to fall under such an exception.

Answer 2

I wouldn't say illegal, but rather you don't have the legal right to use the copyrighted material. Meaning you are subject to civil penalties. If you were selling the songs, ie bootleg CDs that is illegal.
Take a look at ASCAP, it is an interesting system to help musicians get payments for song use.

Answer 3

you must have permission written or otherwise to replay or broadcast a song whose original or current owner is unaware of the song being played especially when you will use the song to market, advertise, or in the sale of any product. yes, it is illegal. you won't go to jail. unless you are owned by proctor & gamble or sony, i'll almost guarantee that you won't even be a blip on the radar screen and your sales so minimal that no one will even care or notice you. do it, even if they do find out and care about it, they will send you a cease and desist court order from a judge telling you to take it down or stop using their song. good luck.

Answer 4

Short answer: no. You cannot use material that someone else holds the copyright on for commercial purposes (subject to certain exceptions such as parody) without the owner's permission.

Answer 5

nicely the R&RHofF is in mattress with Rolling Stone magazine interior the experience of Jann Wenner being in mattress with himself (what a image) in view that he co-based that magazine and is on the board of the R&RHofF. I lost interest whilst the museum became outfitted in Cleveland. If Cleveland is so large, why are the ceremonies held in ny? until low-fee Trick is inducted I have not have been given any use for them!!! Yahoo could be a large extra healthy!!