Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Louisiana
How much of a song can be used legally in a free, no profit podcast? I've heard segments of songs in many podcasts being used as introdution or outro pieces, but I'm wondering just how much of a song can be used if there is no commercial interest in the podcast.
Asked on 9/18/11, 5:47 pm
1 Answer from Attorneys
Adam Lambert
The Law Office of Adam S. Lambert
Legally, none without permission. It doesn't matter whether there is a profit interest in your use of the song, even nonprofit uses are still infringement on the copyright. What you are thinking of is what is called the "Fair Use Exeption". That is reserved for things like use in a class and things of that nature, not for broadcast. In those instances, you can use SOME of the music for those instructional or other exempted purposes, so long as you don't diminish the brand.
Answered on 9/19/11, 9:05 am