Most people have only a vague understanding of what copyright law is. We hear about it because of lawsuits reported in the news or because we attend a performance where the program states that recording is forbidden.
Copyright law says that only the creator of a work has the right to copy it in any way. Copying of any kind is a violation, including performance, recording, or photocopying of the work. Creators can share, sell or give this right to others if they wish. No registration is necessary. A work is protected by Copyright Law as soon as it is created.
Why does it exist?
Copyright law exists to protect the rights of the artists who create the words and music we enjoy. Copyright law enables the artists to profit from their works. If they were not able to do so, there would be far fewer works for us to enjoy.
Generally speaking, works created prior to 1923 are deemed to be in the Public Domain and no longer to subject to copyright law. They can be freely copied in any way.
Why do we care?
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Hendersonville (UUFH) seeks to abide by copyright law. Our primary reason is to protect the rights of the artist, although non-compliance also creates financial risk. And, it’s the right thing to do.
— Richard Maybin, Music Committee
Next month: How does UUFH observe Copyright Law?