header-logo header-logo

11 November 2022 / David Langwallner
Issue: 8002 / Categories: Features , Intellectual property , Media
printer mail-detail

Copyright conundrums: Lost in the music

100228
What exactly is ‘music’ for copyright purposes? David Langwallner looks beyond the lyrics & settles the score

Musical copyright is an enigma, and as a term is something of an omnibus. Lyrics are protected via literary copyright, the musical score is protected by musical copyright, and any accompanying actions or performance can be governed by dramatic copyright. And then there is sound copyright. 

Of course, the copyrights can be bundled in ownership terms. Thus, in principle, a musical composition refers mostly to work of music as musical scores, often with accompanying lyrics, and it can be expressed in written form or in form of sound recordings.

However, the copyright for the sound recordings and for the musical score are totally distinct from each other. Sound recordings are the result of compilation of musical, spoken and other sounds in the form of a master recording. And that often leads to multiple stakeholders and different copyrights—but not always.

Jagger may have written the lyrics and Richards the music, but all copyrights, lyrics,

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content
If you are already a subscriber sign in
...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team

Slater Heelis—Probate & Court of Protection team

Slater Heelis brings Probate and Court of Protection expertise together with new dedicated team

Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power

Clarke Willmott—Antonia Power

Antonia Power joins Clarke Willmott in Taunton

Haynes Boone—Chris Acton

Haynes Boone—Chris Acton

Chris Acton joins Haynes Boone as chair of UK derivatives platform

NEWS
Civil practitioners face changes spanning debt recovery, workplace harassment and possession claims, alongside guidance on insolvency challenges and children proceedings

Finding matrimonial wealth is as challenging as dividing it, as family disputes draw practitioners into asset tracing, offshore structures and insolvency

Agreement between opponents offers no guarantee that a court will approve a retrospective increase to a costs budget
Climate change belongs on every lawyer’s agenda, with risks extending far beyond environmental practice into commercial advice, litigation and access to justice
Workplace bullying and harassment can no longer be left solely to HR, as financial regulation scrutinises culture, character and fitness
back-to-top-scroll