COPYRIGHT By Emily Mynheer

WHAT IS…

o Legal copyright?A form of protection against content created by the intended authors. Including literal, musical, artistic and other types of creative works. https://www.legalzoom.com/knowledge/copyright/topic/copyright-definition

oMoral copyright?Personal rights that connect somebody to that piece of work. www.artslaw.com.au/legal/raw-law/what-are-moral-rights

o Intellectual property?Refers to creations and inventions of the mind, such as names, symbols and literal works.www.wipo.int/about-ip/en

EXAMPLES OF COPYRIGHT IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY Vanilla Ice – Ice Ice Baby and Queen – Under pressure

Ray Parker Jr – Ghostbusters and Huey Lewis and The News – I want a new drug

Blurred Lines – Robin Thicke, T.I and Pharrell Williams and Got to Give It Up – Marvin Gaye

George Harrison – My Sweet Lord and The Chiffons – He’s So Fine

http://theweek.com/articles/457529/blurred-lines-5-other-popular-songs-sued-copyright-infringement

                                

    

CASE STUDY

CHUCK BERRY – SWEET SIXTEEN VS THE BEACH BOYS – SURFIN’ USA

Chuck Berry’s fame was evident when he rose to fame in 1955, and in 1958 released ‘Sweet Little Sixteen’. It reached #2 on the American singles chart and is one of the most recognisable rock songs in history.

A copy of the song can be found on Youtube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLV4NGpoy_E

However, in 1963 the Beach Boys released the single titled Surfin’ USA, with a clear similar rhythm, melody and even lyrics as Berry’s single. The band gave no credit to Berry, and the single did very well in the charts, reaching the top 10 in America, Sweden, Canada and Australia. It’s even been viewed over 5 million views on YouTube.

Eventually, Chuck Berry confronted the band and gained coprighted rights over the song, of which he still holds today.

http://listverse.com/2010/08/23/top-10-popular-music-rip-offs/