Help:Copyright Issues FAQ

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What is a 'CPDL Copyright'?

The CPDL Copyright is a type of open-source license which allows the end user to use a score freely. The only restriction is that if any changes which are made the subsequent version still falls under the CPDL copyright. The license is based on the GNU GPL License that is very common in software development. For the full text of the license, see CPDL license.

Do all of the scores listed by CPDL have the same copyright?

No, although most scores in the database have a CPDL copyright, there are several other types of copyrights. The two other major types of copyrights are a standard personal copyright in which the composer/editor reserves all rights to the music (even though they do allow free downloads), and a non-profit copyright which allows only non-commercial uses. Some editors also stipulate that their scores can only be used for religious purposes. Before using a score, please check the specific terms of copyright for that piece.

When does music fall into the 'public domain'?

Good question! It differs for every country. In the US, all music published before 1923 is public domain, and much music which was not renewed is also in the public domain. Also, facsimiles of original scores and older publications are not copyrightable. However, there are exceptions! In Europe the general rule is that copyright protection exists until 70 years after the composer's death. The rules and exceptions are very convoluted, so do not take these general guidelines as legal precedent in any way.

How can one tell if music is in the public domain?

If it does not have a copyright notice it might be in the public domain. Copyright law was changed in 1976. Before 1976, US Copyright Law stated that copyright existed for registered works for 28 years and could be renewed for an additional 28 years. At present US Copyright Law wtates that for music published before 1976, the for term of copyright is the original 28 years plus an additional 47 years (equals 75 years). Therefore, for works published in the US, works published before 1923 are now in the public domain. New editions of these works may be copywritten, however. At present a new copyright law has been passed which has extended the length of copyright for another 20 years. However, music in the public domain has not suddenly become copywritten. If a piece was in the public domain, it remains in the public domain (with a few exceptions).

Can modern editions of public-domain music be copyrighted?

In short, the answer is yes. However, generally there has to be significant articstic/editorial content to make an edition copyrightable. There are a spectrum of editions. On one end are editions which are not copyrightable: these include old editions with expired copyright as well as republications of public domain editions which use the original engravings. Editions which are based on public domain music and add no other editorial content probably are not copyrightable. Further along on the spectrum are editions which include editorial explanations, piano reductions, translations and other additions. These aspects are copyrightable; however, if you perform an edition without using these additions, it might be difficult to prove that you have violated copyright law. Nevertheless, you certainly could be sued, and the resulting cost would be great, whether you lost or not. Further along are full-blown arrangements based on public domain works. These are fully copyrightable and can not be copied unless permission is granted by the copyright holder. The problem for the choral director is that most editons of older music fall somewhere in between being uncopyrightable and being fully copywritable. Add in the problem that almost all music today has a copyright notice (whether that notice is valid or not) and it becomes easiest to assume all editied music is copywritten.

What are the advantages of using a license such as the CPDL Copyright License?

People have wondered, "If music can be copied, distributed, performed, and recorded, why copyright it at all?" One reason is to guarantee that it will remain freely available. If the music notation file (source code) is given away, it is very easy for some one to remove the copyright notice and claim the edition as his/her own. The terms of the CPDL license make this illegal and will hopefully help keep editions free.

Are all the scores on CPDL 'legal'?

To the best of our knowledge, all of the scores listed on CPDL are based on public domain sources, or are posted with the composer's specific permission. If there are any concerns about copyright infringement, please contact me at 'ornes@cpdl.org'.

Where are some more websites that deal with copyright issues?

For other sites please check out the Links/Contributors page.

Copy3d.gif This page is part of the Copyright section for CPDL.
See individual pages for details and conditions.