Copyright Law in the Music Business from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Copyright Law in the Music Industry!

Welcome! Here we will cover all the details about the course and what you'll need to know to get the most out of your experience.

In this first lesson, we’ll start with the basics—what is copyright? What does it cover and who is it for? We’ll discuss the six exclusive rights granted to creators by the copyright law as well as the difference between copyright, trademarks, and patents. We’ll also discuss how to leverage the six exclusive rights as a creator to use the copyright law to your benefit.

In this lesson, we’ll take a look at copyright law in practice. We’ll begin by discussing the benefits and the potential legal pitfalls of a cowriting relationship. We’ll also discuss the concept of fair use and identify examples of fair use in copyright. We’ll take a look at the concept of independent creation and how that affects you as a creator. Finally, we’ll discuss the public domain and learn how works enter, leave, and return to the public domain.

Sound Recording and Sampling

Sampling is commonplace in popular music today and this lesson focuses on the legal side of this popular creative process. We’ll define the difference between a composition copyright and a sound recording copyright and how they function. We’ll take a closer look at sampling from a legal perspective and compare it to another popular practice called replay (also known as interpolation). Finally, we’ll discuss the current legal arguments around the practice of sampling and how they affect you as an artist.

In this final lesson, we’ll take a deeper look at copyright law and litigation—the roles of lawyers and judges, the mechanics of a copyright lawsuit, and the various ways that copyright issues can be resolved.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

In-demand course that teaches you how to protect your creative work and how to respect the copyright of others

Taught by an industry professional, Dr. E. Michael Harrington, who is an expert in copyright law

Develops a strong foundation in copyright law, including the six exclusive rights granted to creators and the difference between copyright, trademarks, and patents

Provides practical advice on how to avoid copyright infringement and what to do if your work is copied

Explores the latest changes in copyright law, including the impact of technology on copyright

Reviews summary

Highly rated copyright law course for music industry

Many learners say this course is largely positive with quality lectures, case studies, and a knowledgeable instructor. The course provides a solid foundation in copyright law within the music industry. Students come away from this course with a better understanding of how to protect their own creations and how to avoid infringing on the rights of others.

The lectures are clear and the content is well organized.

"The course is very well-structured and easy to follow."

"The professor was very easy and pleasant to listen too."

"This course opened up ways for me to learn more on copyright laws in music."

The course includes practical assignments like case studies.

"It is very helpful as i am now studying the copyright law in this year and it will help in my future"

"The cases are definitely the best and most important assignments of the course."

"I needed this course. Thank you. The Instructor is a well informed person!"

E. Michael Harrington is highly regarded as an expert in copyright law.

"Excellent introductory course. Mr. Harrington answered many questions I have about copyright."

"I really enjoyed the theme of the course, everything was very well explained and I just loved the case studies!"

"The way in which this course is taught is really easy to understand and fun. I would surely recommend doing it!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Copyright Law in the Music Business with these activities:

Review 'Copyright for Dummies' by Ralph S. Brown

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Starting with an overview of copyright law, this book will help you to better understand the basics of copyright as well as the different rights you have as a creator, and the rights of the public.

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Read Chapter 1 to, 'What is Copyright, and Why Do I Need It?'
Read Chapter 2 to 'Registering Your Copyright'
Read Chapter 3 to, 'Protecting Your Copyright: Using the Copyright Notice'

Review 'Copyright Law for Dummies' by Carrie A. Goldberg

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This book will help you to better understand how to secure and protect your copyrighted work. It will also help you understand different copyright laws, including those governing international copyright and current copyright law.

View Mediation: Practice, Policy, and Ethics (Aspen... on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1 to, 'What Is Copyright?'
Read Chapter 2, 'What Can and Cannot Be Copyrighted?'
Read Chapter 3, 'Copyright Registration'

Follow beginner's guide to copyright law

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This beginner's guide will teach you Copyright 101, such as what copyright is and how to register work.

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Navigate to the beginner's guide using the link provided in the course materials.
Read through the guide thoroughly.

Six other activities

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Compile your notes, assignments, and quizzes

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Compiling your notes, assignments, and quizzes will help you to review the material and identify areas where you need additional support.

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Gather your notes, assignments, and quizzes for this course.
Create a system for organizing your materials.

Complete the Copyright Law Quiz

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This quiz will test your understanding of the fundamentals of copyright law, helping you identify and address any knowledge gaps.

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Access the Copyright Law Quiz through the link provided in the course materials.
Answer all questions to the best of your ability.

Find a mentor to ask questions about copyright law

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A mentor can provide you practical advice and guidance on developing your career or addressing specific questions you may have about copyright law.

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Ask your peers or reach out to professionals on LinkedIn.
Attend industry events to connect with potential mentors.

Join a study group with classmates

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Joining a study group with classmates will allow you to discuss the course material with your peers and get support when needed.

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Find classmates who are interested in forming a study group.
Decide on a meeting time and place.
Prepare for each meeting by reviewing the course material.

Attend a copyright workshop

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Attending a copyright workshop will allow you to learn from experts in the field and network with other professionals.

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Find a reputable copyright workshop to attend.
Register and pay for the workshop.
Attend the workshop and participate actively.

Create a presentation on a copyright topic

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Creating a presentation on a copyright topic will reinforce your understanding of the material and help you to develop your communication and presentation skills.

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Choose a copyright topic that you are interested in.
Research your topic thoroughly.
Develop a presentation outline.
Create your presentation.
Practice your presentation.

Career center

Learners who complete Copyright Law in the Music Business will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Business Manager

Music business managers are responsible for the financial and administrative aspects of the music industry. They work with artists, managers, and record labels to ensure that their clients' businesses are run smoothly and profitably. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music business managers with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the legal aspects of the music industry. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Business Manager

Music Publisher

Music publishers are responsible for protecting and managing the copyrights of their clients. They work with songwriters and composers to ensure that their music is properly registered and protected from infringement. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music publishers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage their clients' copyrights. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Publisher

Songwriter

Songwriters create the music that we all enjoy. They write the lyrics, melodies, and harmonies that make up our favorite songs. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides songwriters with the knowledge and skills they need to protect their copyrights. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Songwriter

Record Producer

Record producers are responsible for overseeing the recording and production of music. They work with artists, songwriters, and engineers to create a final product that is both commercially viable and artistically satisfying. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides record producers with the knowledge and skills they need to protect their copyrights and the copyrights of their clients. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Record Producer

Attorney

Copyright Law in the Music Business is a great choice for people who are interested in the legal aspects of the music industry. The course provides a comprehensive overview of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public. This knowledge is essential for attorneys who work in the music industry, as they need to be able to advise their clients on copyright issues. The course also covers recent developments in copyright law, which is important for attorneys who want to stay up-to-date on the latest legal trends.

See salaries and explore the career path for Attorney

Music Educator

Music educators teach music at all levels, from elementary school to college. They help students develop their musical skills and knowledge. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music educators with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the legal aspects of the music industry. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Educator

Music Journalist

Music journalists write about the music industry for magazines, newspapers, and websites. They cover a wide range of topics, including new music releases, artist interviews, and industry trends. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music journalists with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the legal aspects of the music industry. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Journalist

Music Librarian

Music librarians are responsible for managing and preserving music collections. They work in libraries, archives, and museums. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music librarians with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the legal aspects of the music industry. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Librarian

Music Promoter

Music promoters promote and organize concerts and other music events. They work with artists, managers, and venues to create successful events. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music promoters with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the legal aspects of the music industry. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Promoter

Music Therapist

Music therapists use music to help people with physical, emotional, and mental health problems. They work in hospitals, schools, and other settings. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music therapists with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the legal aspects of the music industry. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

Music Agent

Music agents represent artists and help them book concerts, tours, and other performances. They also negotiate contracts and handle other business matters. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music agents with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the legal aspects of the music industry. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Agent

Music Director

Music directors lead and conduct orchestras, choirs, and other musical ensembles. They also select and prepare the music for performances. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music directors with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the legal aspects of the music industry. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Director

Music Arranger

Music arrangers create and adapt musical arrangements for different instruments and ensembles. They work with composers, musicians, and producers to create new and exciting versions of existing songs. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music arrangers with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the legal aspects of the music industry. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Arranger

Music Copyist

Music copyists prepare and copy music manuscripts. They work with composers, publishers, and musicians to create accurate and legible copies of musical works. Copyright Law in the Music Business provides music copyists with the knowledge and skills they need to understand the legal aspects of the music industry. The course covers all aspects of copyright law, including the rights of artists and the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Copyist

Music Instrument Repair Technician

Music instrument repair technicians repair and maintain musical instruments. They work with musicians, schools, and music stores to keep instruments in good playing condition. Copyright Law in the Music Business may be useful for music instrument repair technicians who want to learn more about the legal aspects of the music industry, such as copyright law and intellectual property rights.

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