So a creator or business must be aware of a lot of information to know how to legally play music. They include the composer, the distributor, and the performer. This is because there are many parties involved, each of whom has rights. But the expression of those elements and the unique ways they're combined can be.Ĭopyright associated with music can sometimes be trickier than that with literature. In one example, generic elements of a Western ballad such as cowboys, bad guys, or cheating can't be copyrighted. But books, songs, and paintings about those facts, which bring them to artistic life, can be copyrighted. What Can and Can't Be Copyrighted?Ĭopyright exists to protect 'unique expression.' So facts cannot be copyrighted. To understand this, let's clarify what copyright is. One commonly suggested solution to find music to use for motion projects like commercials and presentations is to go with 'public domain' music. But it also makes it hard for a small business owner to pay for the rights to use music and find out if the music is available for use. But they want it without getting tangled in legalities or paying through the nose for it.Īctually, it's pretty hard because of the copyright law, which protects the rights of artists and creators, as it should. All creators want is some awesome music as a soundtrack for their project.

Public domain music