Copyright Law in the Music Business from edX

In this course taught by E. Michael Harrington, students will learn the basis for copyright including what is and is not covered by copyright law. This course will help clarify what rights artists have as creators as well as what the public is free to take from their work. Students will also learn what to do if someone copies their work and what to do if they are accused of copying someone else. The course will also discuss how technology has changed copyright for the better (and worse) and how copyright laws may change in the coming years.

We will start by learning about copyright and intellectual property, who owns a copyright and copyright infringement. Then, we will look at the specific music copyright laws that deal with co-writing music, sound recording and sampling as well as understanding when music enters the public domain. Finally, we will cover copyright litigation and the mechanics of entertainment law in the courtroom. Through all of this, we will discuss actual case studies to put our new copyright knowledge into practice.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Explain the six exclusive rights of copyright law.
Describe the concept of fair use and know when it applies and when it doesn't.

Describe the various aspects involved in a copyright lawsuit.
Differentiate between the composition copyright and the sound recording copyright.

Explain the six exclusive rights of copyright law.
Describe the concept of fair use and know when it applies and when it doesn't.
Describe the various aspects involved in a copyright lawsuit.
Differentiate between the composition copyright and the sound recording copyright.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for individuals who want to understand the fundamentals of copyright law, including music-specific copyright laws

Taught by Dr. E. Michael Harrington, an expert in intellectual property law and entertainment law

Covers practical aspects of copyright law, such as how to handle copyright infringement and what to do if accused of copying someone else's work

Uses real-world case studies to illustrate copyright law concepts

Suitable for musicians, music producers, artists, and anyone else who wants to protect their creative works

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:

Read 'Copyright Law for the Music Industry' by Richard Stim

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Develops an understanding of the specific music copyright laws that deal with co-writing music, sound recording and sampling.

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Purchase and obtain the book.
Read the book, taking notes on the key principles of copyright law
Summarize the main points of each chapter in your own words
Identify any areas that you do not understand and seek clarification from others

Identify Works Covered by Copyright Law

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Reinforce your understanding of the scope of copyright law by practicing identifying works that fall within its protection.

Browse courses on Copyright Law

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Review the definition of copyright law.
Examine various creative works and determine whether they are protected by copyright.
Compare and contrast different copyright cases to understand the boundaries of the law.

Discuss the case study on the fair use of copyrighted material

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Facilitates the application of copyright principles to real-world situations.

Browse courses on Fair Use

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Read the case study
Identify the key legal issues
Discuss the case with peers
Develop a reasoned opinion on the outcome of the case

One other activity

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Volunteer at a legal aid clinic that provides copyright assistance

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Provides practical experience in applying copyright law to real-world situations and helps develop a deeper understanding of the legal issues involved.

Browse courses on Copyright Law

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Identify legal aid clinics that provide volunteer copyright opportunities
Apply to volunteer and complete any required training
Assist attorneys and clients with copyright-related issues
Attend workshops or training to develop your knowledge of copyright law

Career center

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

Attorney

Attorneys advise and represent clients in courts, before government agencies, and in private matters. With expertise in copyright, you would be able to help clients understand their rights, negotiate and draft agreements, and represent them in infringement lawsuits.

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Music Publisher

Music Publishers administer musical compositions on behalf of songwriters and musicians. With a deep understanding of copyright law, you would be able to negotiate licensing deals, collect royalties, and protect the rights of your clients.

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Copyright Agents represent creators and rights holders in the entertainment industry. By understanding copyright law, you would be able to protect your clients' rights, negotiate licensing agreements, and enforce their copyrights.

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Music Supervisor

Music Supervisors oversee the music in films, television shows, and other media. With a knowledge of copyright law, you could ensure that the music used in your projects is properly licensed and that the rights of the creators are protected.

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Entertainment Lawyer

Entertainment Lawyers represent clients in the entertainment industry, including musicians, actors, and writers. By understanding copyright law, you would be able to draft and negotiate contracts, protect your clients' rights, and represent them in legal disputes.

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Record Label Executive

Record Label Executives oversee all aspects of running a record label, including signing artists, producing and marketing albums, and protecting the rights of the label and its artists.

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Music Journalist

Music Journalists write about music for magazines, newspapers, websites, and other publications. With a strong understanding of copyright law, you could ensure that you are accurately reporting on the rights of musicians and creators.

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Music Educator

Music Educators teach music at schools, colleges, and universities. With a deep understanding of copyright law, you would be able to teach your students about the importance of copyright and how to protect their own work.

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Music Librarian

Music Librarians acquire, catalog, and preserve music materials for libraries and other institutions. By understanding copyright law, you would be able to ensure that the library's collection is legally acquired and used.

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Music Archivist

Music Archivists preserve and manage historical music collections. With a knowledge of copyright law, you could ensure that the archives are legally acquired and used.

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Music Researcher

Music Researchers conduct research on music and music-related topics. With a strong understanding of copyright law, you would be able to ensure that your research is properly cited and that you are not infringing on the rights of others.

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Music Historian

Music Historians study the history of music. With a knowledge of copyright law, you could ensure that your research is properly cited and that you are not infringing on the rights of others.

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Music Producer

Music Producers oversee the recording and production of music. With a knowledge of copyright law, you could ensure that the music you produce is properly licensed and that the rights of the creators are protected.

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Musician

Musicians perform and record music. With a basic understanding of copyright law, you would be able to protect your own rights and ensure that you are not infringing on the rights of others.

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Songwriter

Songwriters write and compose music. With a basic understanding of copyright law, you would be able to protect your own rights and ensure that you are not infringing on the rights of others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Songwriter