[Dixielandjazz] Earnest lady at the radio station

[David Palmquist]

Oh boy, Dave!
You're asking me to wade into uncharted waters.  Remember, please, I am NOT 
a lawyer - these are my thoughts; I don't know US copyright law at all, 
except what I read yesterday when I looked it up on the Library of Congress 
site, and from what I remember of discussions that have taken place on the 
other two music discussion lists I participate in.

I think the first thing to do is look at the printed copyright date on the 
sheet music.  I think the American system required the copyright symbol to 
be shown prior to a certain time.  If that date is before 1923, you're 
probably ok in the US.

The second thing to do is to search the copyright records - that reference 
page tells you how, and I think they will do it for you for $75/hour of 
research time.  You can search the records yourself, but I think you have 
to go to Washington to do that.

But please, read the coyright information on that website yourself. I am 
not capable of offering any reliable opinion, and the FAQ's etc. seem to be 
pretty good.

David in Delta





At 19:04 31-10-02, Creole Dixieland Jazz Band wrote:
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "David Palmquist" <davidpalmquist@dccnet.com>
>To: <dixielandjazz@ml.islandnet.com>
>Sent: Thursday, October 31, 2002 6:24 PM
>Subject: [Dixielandjazz] Earnest lady at the radio station
>
> > Probably she would be
> > satisfied if you can show her when the copyright on that music expired.
>
>David - How would one find out when the copyright on a tune expired?
>Concerning my present situation, just being able to prove when the copyright
>expired on these tunes would solve my problem. Thanks.
>
>Dave
>=======================
>"It's a treat to beat your feet."
>The Creole Dixieland Jazz Band
>Dave Gravatt
>417-581-5626
>www.CreoleJazz.com