Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Georgia

Using copyright material in artwork

I would like to use copyrighted sheet music in custom art pieces. Each piece of art would use a purchased piece of sheet music, not a reproduction. The cover art would not be used, just the printed music with title, artist, and copyright info clearly shown. Each piece would be a handcrafted one-of-a-kind piece for the client, not mass produced. (For example, painting a picture on the sheet music and selling it.) Can I incorporate a printed piece of sheet music that has been paid for into an art piece for commercial resale without violating their copyright? Can I then place a photo of my art on my website without violating their copyright? Thank you so much for your guidance.


Asked on 1/27/08, 12:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Scott Riddle Law Office of Scott B. Riddle, LLC

Re: Using copyright material in artwork

Your description is likely a violation. You are proposing to copy the author's work and include it in your own work, for commercial use. The fact that you may pay for the sheet does not give you any right to use it as the basis for your work (sometimes called "derivative" use or work).

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Answered on 1/27/08, 12:50 pm


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