Define: Composition

Composition refers to the creation of an original musical work, including the melody, lyrics, and arrangement.

Your composition is automatically protected by copyright as soon as it is created. However, registering your work with the copyright office provides additional legal protection and allows you to enforce your rights more effectively.

Using samples from other compositions may require obtaining permission from the copyright owner or obtaining a license. It is important to ensure that your use of samples falls within the boundaries of fair use or obtain the necessary permissions to avoid copyright infringement.

While you cannot copyright the underlying public domain work, you can copyright your original contributions and arrangement of the composition. However, it is important to ensure that your work is sufficiently original to qualify for copyright protection.

Creating a composition based on another copyrighted work may infringe on the original copyright owner’s rights. It is advisable to seek legal advice to determine if your composition qualifies as a transformative work or if you need to obtain permission or a license to avoid copyright infringement.

Yes, as the copyright owner of a composition, you have the exclusive right to sell or license your work to others. This allows you to earn royalties or fees from the use of your composition in various ways, such as performances, recordings, or synchronization in films or commercials.

Yes, you can collaborate with others on a composition and still maintain copyright ownership. It is advisable to have a written agreement outlining the rights and responsibilities of each collaborator to avoid any disputes in the future.

Using a composition in a public performance, such as a concert or live event, may require obtaining a performance license from the appropriate performing rights organisation (PRO). These organisations collect royalties on behalf of copyright owners and ensure that they are compensated for the public use of their compositions.

If you believe someone has infringed on your composition, it is advisable to consult with an intellectual property attorney. They can help you assess the situation, gather evidence, and take appropriate legal action to protect your rights, such as sending a cease and desist letter or filing a copyright infringement lawsuit.