surfmonkey Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 A hypothetical situation: Let's say I write a song with a friend. I write the verse and chorus and he comes up with the bridge. We copyright the song together as co-writers. Am I allowed to take the parts I wrote (the verse and chorus) write a new bridge to it, and claim sole ownership of it? Or is that copyright infringement, even though I am technically stealing from myself? Would I have to give him any credit on this new song? I have no homepage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Johnny B Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 In your hypo, if your friend has no part of the new work, it is arguably all yours. But if you get a huge hit, he will probably sue, he may lose, but he'll take a chance. Money is great motivator to get people to act in a evil way. Look at Bush and Cheney. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fantasticsound Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 Let me guess... You wrote a song with a band you're no longer connected with and now you want to take the part of a song you co-wrote and create something all your own? Anyhow... You're describing a derivative work. In the scenario you laid out, you probably would need permission from your co-writer to use a significant portion of the original song for a new one. Copyright law only separates the contributions of co-writers in two ways. Lyrics and music can be copywritten separately, then together as a unit. It's feasable that you can copyright, individually, two parts of a song if and only if one writer contributed the beginning and the other the end. Copyright them as separate songs, then put them together for an recording. I've never seen this done, and I imagine doing so would illustrate a lack of trust that should indicate to both writers that this arrangement ain't workin'! It's easiest to find me on Facebook. Neil Bergman Soundclick fntstcsnd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saint Johnny B Posted January 13, 2004 Share Posted January 13, 2004 Ok, if that's the case then get them to sign a "Waiver and Release Form." They will waive and release all claims they have against you and the song. It'll also protect you later if there ever is a hit and a subequent lawsuit. Them lawyer dudes might help you for 100 bucks or so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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