I am in the process of starting my own business. I am going to be making photo DVDs with music. I heard that if I purchased the CD and have proof of purchase, I can legally use the music. Is this true?
2007-08-30 09:40:34 · 5 answers · asked by sisterof_3 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
No - you can't distribute music you do not own the publishing rights to without paying a licensing fee.
The standard current statutory mechanical rate per song is 9.1 cents for a song less than 5 minutes in length multiplied by the number of units distributed. In addition, a licensing agency will charge a per-song rate of $10 - $20.
For instance, if you make a photo DVD that has three songs in it, and all the songs are less than 5 minutes long, and you sell a hundred copies, then you need to pay the following for licensing:
100 x (3 x $0.091) + (3 x $15) = $72.30
This cost would need to be accounted for in your DVD charges.
Here's a website where you can get licenses online.
http://www.harryfox.com/index.jsp
2007-08-30 10:03:14 · answer #1 · answered by Elizabeth 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, to be able to use the music for commercial purposes you must pay the original artist, composer, performer, a small fee or royalty for using the music. You could contact ASCAP or BMI on line for more information.
2007-08-30 16:47:20 · answer #2 · answered by rb_cubed 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
*Especially* if you are using that music in a commercial venture. You cannot use someone else's copyrighted material to make money for yourself.
2007-08-30 16:47:00 · answer #3 · answered by pepper 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, you can't sell and distribute other people's work. You need permission to use their songs on your DVDs.
2007-08-30 16:45:49 · answer #4 · answered by leaptad 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, you cannot use the music or copy it. And especially, you can't copy it and sell it.
2007-08-30 16:50:11 · answer #5 · answered by hottotrot1_usa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋