Legal Question in Intellectual Property in California
If I were to start a business where I videotape a person(s) lip synching to a song, would I be allowed to? If I charged x amount of dollars to be hired for a couple of hours at a birthday party, am allowed to use these songs or does that violate some copyright law?
Asked on 11/08/10, 12:54 pm
2 Answers from Attorneys
Bryan Whipple
Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law
Making copies of copyrighted material without permission of the copyright owner, including songs, is illegal.
Answered on 11/14/10, 11:44 am
Kevin B. Murphy
Franchise Foundations, APC
As a franchise attorney, I can tell you infringing on a copyrighted song(s) is not something you want to base a business on. You can seek a copyright license to do what you intend. Consult with a good business or franchise attorney in your area for specific advice.
Mr. Franchise - Kevin B. Murphy, B.S., M.B.A., J.D.
Franchise Attorney
Franchise Foundations APC
Answered on 11/14/10, 12:31 pm