Copyright Law An Review on Computer Music Files and P2P File Sharing

Copyright: Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, US Code) to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works. Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, US Code) to the authors of “original works of authorship,” including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works. This protection is available to both published and unpublished works.

What is copyright ? The right to make copies from an original piece of a new creation. The right to make copies from an original piece of a new creation. The copyright revenues ($$) shared between all participants in the venture: normally the composer, lyricist and the publisher. The copyright revenues ($$) shared between all participants in the venture: normally the composer, lyricist and the publisher. What are royalties ?

Two Types of Copyrights Creation Copyright: Creation Copyright: The composer owns this right to his music. In most cases this copyright is assigned to a publisher to "sell" the song. The composer owns this right to his music. In most cases this copyright is assigned to a publisher to "sell" the song. Recording performance production copyright: Recording performance production copyright: The right of a performing artist to create their specific interpretation (production/performance) of the song/music which was already recorded. The right of a performing artist to create their specific interpretation (production/performance) of the song/music which was already recorded.

You have broken the Law if you; burn CDs for your friends burn CDs for your friends download songs using P2P systems download songs using P2P systems make photo copies of copyrighted material make photo copies of copyrighted material

What are Computer Music Files ? Computer music files are another form of recording music. Computer music files are another form of recording music. You may substitute Computer Music Files with MIDI, MOD, WAV, RA, RMI, MP3,… You may substitute Computer Music Files with MIDI, MOD, WAV, RA, RMI, MP3,… Copyright laws apply to all formats of Music in any form Copyright laws apply to all formats of Music in any form

“digital sheet music” MIDI is the most common form MIDI is the most common form MIDI files can be transformed into printed music MIDI files can be transformed into printed music.

Public Domain Public domain means the copyright has expired. This is the case for music where the creator is dead for more than 50 years, in most countries now even 75 years. Public domain means the copyright has expired. This is the case for music where the creator is dead for more than 50 years, in most countries now even 75 years. Most popular songs are not even half this old and are not yet in the public domain. Most popular songs are not even half this old and are not yet in the public domain. Mozart’s music=Public Domain Mozart’s music=Public Domain Eminem’s music=NOT in the public domain Eminem’s music=NOT in the public domain

What is P2P P2P stands for "peer-to-peer." P2P stands for "peer-to-peer." When we use P2P software, our computer's hard drive becomes a server that allows someone else to access files stored on our computer. When we use P2P software, our computer's hard drive becomes a server that allows someone else to access files stored on our computer. In short: Another computer user can connect directly to our computer and download whatever music files we've stored there. In short: Another computer user can connect directly to our computer and download whatever music files we've stored there.

P2P File Sharing Systems Kazaa Kazaa Ares Ares Gnutella Gnutella Grokster Grokster Morpheus Morpheus Sharing music on these sites is illegal Sharing music on these sites is illegal

File transfers Downloading: From a P2P network user's point-of-view, downloading is receiving a song from another computer. Downloading: From a P2P network user's point-of-view, downloading is receiving a song from another computer. Uploading: From a P2P network user's point-of-view, to upload a song is to send it to another computer user. Uploading: From a P2P network user's point-of-view, to upload a song is to send it to another computer user.

I don’t upload so I’m ok. Right? Wrong: Both downloading and uploading music is illegal. Wrong: Both downloading and uploading music is illegal. Currently uploading activity is the central focus of lawsuits, but this is changing. Currently uploading activity is the central focus of lawsuits, but this is changing. Use of P2P systems can result in legal fees and civil penalties, which range from $750 to $150,000 or more per violation. Use of P2P systems can result in legal fees and civil penalties, which range from $750 to $150,000 or more per violation.

Review Copyright Copyright Royalties Royalties Computer Music Files Computer Music Files Digital Sheet Music Digital Sheet Music P2P P2P File Transfers File Transfers Public Domain Public Domain