Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Vermont
copyright law - music
Hello,
I purchased an mp3 recording of ''Old McDonald Had a Farm.'' Is the arrangement considered royalty free because �Old McDonald� is in the public domain, or is it considered a copyrighted work?
To be more specific, can I use the arrangement in a video on my sales website, or do I need permission to do so?
Thank you
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: copyright law - music
As an IP attorney (intellectual property) and President of the Green Mtn. Chorus, I get this question often in multiple forms. The copyright laws are complex and constantly changing, so the answer depends on WHEN the arrangement was created, and IF the formalities of the then current copyright law were properly followed. I would need you to call my office with more specifics on the arrangement in order to answer that question. There are also sources of public domain music and low cost licensed music you can access. Sorry I can't just give a yes or no answer here.
Michael Hermann