Led Zeppelin transformed Howlin’ Wolf’s Killing Floor into The Lemon Song, leading to a copyright dispute centered the extent to which Howlin' Wolf's creative work remained. According to the US Copyright Office when AI is inder AI the question instead becomes "How much human creativity exists?" A recent Executive Order replacing “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) with “Super Intelligence” (SI) in federal executive communications may seem just to involve semantics since it doesn't change copyright law. However, words influence perceptions. If the EO's terminology takes hold, calling the technology SI could encourage us to treat it as an extension of instead of a substitute for human creativity.
Read MoreA music streaming subscription often doesn't give someone the right to can play that music for customers or at events. Businesses that use recorded music may need to navigate complicated copyright laws, streaming-service terms of service, and licenses from multiple performing rights organizations. Copyright law can treat even a “private” company event or apartment-community gathering as a public performance. A single recording may involve two different copyrights, and a playlist can require dozens of licenses, and licenses that worked in one context might not be sufficient in another. Read our blog to learn what businesses should consider before using recorded music at their establishments.
Read MoreThe NO FAKES Act, which recently cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee, would be a valuable tool in artists’ arsenal against AI replicas. However, the bill still must pass several hurdles before it becomes law. For now, except in the few states like Tennessee that have laws expressly prohibiting digital “clones,” artists need to continue to rely on state right-of-publicity laws, contract language, copyright and trademark claims, and platform takedown procedures.
Read MoreDuring a collaboration, authors may get caught up in the creative process and not consider the legal implications of their work. However, it’s important to decide up front whether they intend to create a joint work or composite work and work with an attorney to document their intention.
Read MoreSync licensing can be a major income source for composers and songwriters. Businesses should be aware that any time they use non public domain music in their video content, they may need a sync license.
Read MoreArticles, pictures, videos, and other publications on the Internet may be subject to copyright and other laws and shouldn't be used without the author's permission.
Read MoreEvery business should track images on its website or used in the business to assure that the business has the required licenses.
Read MorePublic performance licenses frequently are required when digital music recordings are played in most business and commercial real estate settings.
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