Can I Use a Movie Line as a Song Lyric?

Attorney Gordon Firemark provides the answer and a little legal and business advice as well.

Precedent / In The Air Tonight

I was previewing this video thinking it might provide a musical lesson about the concept of legal precedent.  It sort-of does. But what jumped out at me was another lesson on potential copyright infringement.   Compare and consider.

(Listen from :34 to 1:05)


(Listen from  0:53 to 1:22)

Law Music Video - A Legal Matter

This week's installment in the "Law Music Videos" series is A Legal Matter by The Who - another classic. Law music videos played before your class starts will positively contribute to learning.

Copyright Infringement? You be The Judge!

Below is a demonstration that YouTubers have put together raising issues about copyright infringement.  You can go as long or as short as you like with these videos in class.

In 2009, Coldplay won two Grammy awards, for its song Viva la Vida, including song of the year.  Artist Joe Satriani and Coldplay worked out a confidential settlement of Satriani's claim that Viva la Vida contained substantial elements of his song, If I Could Fly.



Musical analysis:



Full Songs:





And is there more?

Featured Website - The Copyright Website

This website contains alot of practical information regarding copyright law. I like to use the music section of this site. I have used the George Harrison and ZZ Top examples in class.  The Harrison case is readily available.  I also use the George Harrison example in class to introduce a discussion of the case betwen Harrison and his former manager, Allen Klein.  That case deals with an agent's ongoing duty to protect a principal's confidential information. The music section is easy to use and a very nice classroom resource.  Despite my best effors, I have been unable to determine the identity of the host of this site, but the information has been reliable.

Access Copyright Website Here 



George Harrison:


Alan Klein: