Articles
The recent jury verdict in the ‘Blurred Lines’ copyright case, based on an analysis of sheet music, has caused many to question the adequacy of copyright law in analyzing contemporary music. This article from John Marshall Law School Review of Intellectual Property Law (Spring 2007) anticipates several issues identified by critics of the Blurred Lines decision, including the limitations of musical notation in analyzing popular music, and the current split on whether music should be analyzed from the perspective of an average listener or those familiar with the genre(s) in question.
The following articles were originally published in a series of columns on music and law entitled “The Fine Print.” They’re meant to provide a general introduction to legal issues within the music business. Of course, the usual caveats apply. The articles are primarily educational and do not purport to constitute legal advice. Legal issues discussed here may vary dramatically from state to state, and from one country to another. If you have legal concerns or need legal advice, be sure to consult with an attorney who is licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
- Band Names and Trademark Law — An Overview
- Choosing a Band Name
- Co-Authors and Musical Collaboration
- Copyright Infringement
- Digital Sampling
- Music Publishing — An Overview (part 1 of 2)
- Music Publishing — An Introduction (part 2 of 2)
- Registering Your Copyright
- Who Owns a Band’s Master Recordings?
All articles © 2001, 2007 by Alan Korn