Online Copyright Issues?

Barntinez · #1 04-24-2007, 03:50 PM

Hi, I'm thinking about starting a music lyrics website. I know that a lot of sites like this already exist, but I want to do it better. Anyway, I am planning to use artist names, song lyrics, and artist and album photos. Are there any copyright issues that I need to be aware of before putting things like this on my site? I know people steal photos all the time to put on their websites, but I don't want to risk getting sued. Any advice for me? Thanks.

Evan · #2 04-24-2007, 04:53 PM

I am not a lawyer, much less a copyright expert, but this seems like it would fall under Fair Use.

elus2 · #3 04-24-2007, 05:02 PM

Lyrics and guitar tabs websites are often pursued by copyright holders. I'd do some real research to figure out if any of those cases ever amounted to more than just cease and desist orders. You'll read about tons of sites that folded rather than take up a costly litigation battle.

scott1 · #4 04-24-2007, 05:53 PM

Yahoo had the same idea recently.

http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/31759/113/

BradleyT · #5 04-24-2007, 06:17 PM

If you're really serious about this contact the Harry Fox Agency.

SanONeill · #6 04-24-2007, 07:17 PM

These sites are getting sued on the regular now. If you want to do it you will likely be paying a fair bit in licensing fees.

Evan, maybe I'm missing something but why would you think the complete republishing of someone elses copyrighted work for profit would fall under fair use?

Barntinez · #7 04-25-2007, 12:42 AM

I see now that most lyrics technically should hold a license to display content, but most don't. I'm not sure if that's going to change in the near future. I will have to look into this further. I also have another question in regards to copyright law: is there anything illegal about lifting photos off facebook or myspace to put on a website?

SanONeill · #8 04-25-2007, 01:33 AM

barntinez, you are once again breaking copyright law lifting photos off facebook or myspace unless they are specifically licensed in a way which allows it (ie. creative commons, public domain)

wmspringer · #9 04-25-2007, 01:34 AM

[ QUOTE ]
I see now that most lyrics technically should hold a license to display content, but most don't. I'm not sure if that's going to change in the near future. I will have to look into this further. I also have another question in regards to copyright law: is there anything illegal about lifting photos off facebook or myspace to put on a website?

[/ QUOTE ]

Aside from violating someone's copyright, you mean?

If I take a picture, I own it. Putting it online does not require me to give up my copyright.