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- The Leading Publisher of Sheet Music for Latter-day Saints -
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Copyrights

Here are a few tips to help you when working with copyrighted music.

Who owns the right to copy music?

The publishing company owns the copyright to their music. By purchasing music, customers purchase a copy of the music, not the copyright itself. Each time a person purchases music, sales go to both the writer of the music and the publisher; this is how they earn their living. Copying music is stealing someone else’s property.

When in doubt, email Jackman Music for clarification: info@jackmanmusic.com

Get rid of photocopies that are already in use.

Destroy any unauthorized photocopies and replace them with legal editions. Possession of illegal copies puts you in position of harboring stolen goods.

Always contact the copyright owner about music you think may be "out of print".

Making recordings of copyrighted songs.

 The Harry Fox Agency, Inc. defines mechanical licenses this way:

What is a mechanical license?"A mechanical license grants the rights to reproduce and distribute copyrighted musical compositions to the public for private use. These rights allow the use of musical compositions on CDs, records, tapes, and certain digital configurations.
Why do I need one?
Mechanical licenses are required under U.S. Copyright Law if you want to duplicate and distribute a recording of a song that is owned by someone else. Reputable replicators and online music sites require copies of licenses before duplicating recordings or offering them online.
In order for the publisher, and ultimately, the songwriter, to be compensated, proper licensing is a must. However, you do not need a mechanical license if you are recording and distributing a song you wrote yourself or if the song is in the public domain. To find out if a song is in the public domain, you can contact the U.S. Copyright Office. A list of songs in the public domain can also be found at www.pdinfo.com."

 

Penalties associated with Copyright Law violation.

The law provides for the copyright owner to recover damages for unauthorized use, including the profits of the infringer and statutory damages ranging from $250 to $100,000 per infringement. In addition, prison terms are provided for willful and commercial infringement.

Remember that churches, schools, and non-profit organizations can be infringers too! In fact, some stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been found guilty of copyright abuse and have been subject to much embarrassment and penalty.

Photocopiers who don't get caught.

Illegal copying does not just affect the offender. Composers, arrangers, publishers, and dealers are losing a large percentage of their income because of illegal photocopying. This loss of revenue ultimately means that less and less printed music is available for sale; short print runs means higher prices for what is available; and dealers are no longer able to afford to carry large stocks of sheet music.

Thank you for being honest!

We know that the vast majority of people are striving to live honest lives. Consider yourself informed and know that we so appreciate your honesty and integrity.

Learn more about copyright law at copyright.gov.