Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Minnesota

OK...so, I am recording an album of material that is very often considered "traditional" music - SOME of the songs are in the Public Domain, so I am not worried about those. But, what about the others. The song Hesitation Blues for example, does back to the early 1900's, but it seems like MANY people own the copyright because it has been recorded many times over the years. I want to record these songs, but want to legally do it the correct way. Please help.


Asked on 3/22/10, 7:59 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ross Brandborg Brudvik Law Office

Materials published prior to January 1, 1950 should have had their copyright renewed before 1978, and there should be a record of that renewal in the Copyright Office.

If they were renewed, copyright protection would extend to seventy- five years from the date copyright was originally obtained. If they did not, the works are in the public domain.

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Answered on 4/02/10, 12:24 pm


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