Music Copyright Guide Some frequently asked questions on Music Copyright What is copyright? It is a property right intended to protect the rights of people who create works of various kinds. The Copyright, Designs & Patents Act 1988 was brought in to give legal protection to the writers of these works, to prevent their exploitation. What does copyright cover? - Literary, dramatic and musical works. - Sound recordings, films, broadcasts or cable programmes. - Artistic works. How long does copyright last? For Literary, dramatic and musical works and films, copyright lasts for 70 years after the end of the year of the death of the author, creator or last surviving co-writer. With sound recordings, copyright expires 50 years from when they were made, released or broadcast. What are the permitted acts? Copyright exemptions can be made if considered fair dealing or for education. What constitutes infrigement of copyright / restricted acts? - To copy the work - To give/sell copies of the work to the public - To perform, show or play the work in public - To communicate the work to the public by electronic means - To adapt the work For further information on copyright, plus more indepth music industry information, please refer to 'The Insiders Guide to the Music Industry'. Simply click below for more information 'The Insiders Guide to the Music Industry' Return to Music Copyright Menu Return to Homepage