Legal Question in Intellectual Property in New Jersey

I have the opportunity to start my own business making photo slideshows for a local photographer's customers. The slideshows would have background music in them, and I would prefer not to use royalty free music as it's very generic and most of the customers would like to use songs that have special meaning to them. I've seen other companies online that do this same type of work and use popular copyrighted songs. How do I go about doing this without breaking any copyright laws? To make things clear, I would be getting paid for making these slideshows. Thank you.


Asked on 8/14/10, 10:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Corbett Corbett Law Firm LLC

If you wish to use copyrighted music, you must obtain licenses from the copyright owner. Fortunately, there are only a handful of organizations that coordinate the licensing for all music in the USA. Start with ASCAP. Unfortunately, I think that you will find that the licenses are more expensive than you think. But, you know your customers. Look into the fees and give me a call if you need help with the licensing. /p/ See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm

Read more
Answered on 8/19/10, 10:27 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Intellectual Property questions and answers in New Jersey