Copyright Law in the Music Business-Edx

This course, taught by Dr. E. Michael Harrington, provides a comprehensive introduction to copyright law as it applies to the music industry. Students will gain a clear understanding of what is and isn't protected by copyright law, helping to clarify both the rights of creators and what the public is free to use from their work. The curriculum begins with fundamentals of copyright and intellectual property, covering ownership rights and infringement issues. It then explores music-specific copyright laws related to co-writing music, sound recordings, and sampling, while also explaining when music enters the public domain. The final section covers copyright litigation and entertainment law in courtroom settings. Throughout the course, real case studies are analyzed to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations. You'll learn what steps to take if someone copies your work and what to do if accused of copying others. The course also examines how technology has transformed copyright protection for better and worse, and discusses potential future changes in copyright legislation. This knowledge is essential for musicians, producers, managers, and anyone working in the music business who needs to understand the legal framework that governs their creative work.