Many musicians commit boundless time and energy to developing their craft and are not focused on how they might protect their creative work. Whether you perform, record, write and/or arrange your own music, it is essential that you are aware of your rights, and the rights of others under copyright law. Learn the simple yet vital steps necessary to safeguard your creative efforts and make them work for you now and in the future.

Visit the Copyright Lesson 8 Preview

Course Outline
Lesson 1: Introduction to Copyright.

• History
• A definition
• How do I copyright my work
• Why copyright
• Intellectual property
• Trademarks
• Registered designs
• Patents
• Assignment 1

Lesson 2: Sourcing Copyright Information.

• The copyright act 1968
• The copyright council
• Arts law centre
• Collection societies
• APRA
• AMCOS
• PPCA
• Related societies
• The wrap up
• Duration
• Duration by category
• Other aspects
• Public domain
• Assignment 2

Lesson 3: Ownership - Creator's Rights.

• Moral rights
• Copyright law
• Works
• Subject matter
• What's not protected
• What are your rights?
• Fair dealing
• Research or study
• Criticism or review
• Reporting news
• Recent amendments
• Creating work as an employee
• Notices and labels
• Proof
• Assignment 3

Lesson 4: Ownership - Performers' Rights.

• Recording rights
• Performers' rights
• Bootlegging
• Co-owners of copyright
• Moral rights
• Assignment 4

Lesson 5: Obtaining Copyright Clearances.

• Working as a DJ
• Gigs in pubs and clubs
• Fair dealing - Education
• Soundtracks 1
• Soundtracks 2
• Assignment 5

Lesson 6: Copyright and the Internet

• The Internet
• Getting permission
• Material found on the net
• Your work on the net
• Your website
• What formats?
• Linking and framing
• File sharing
• Assignment 6

Lesson 7: Copyright - Infringements, penalties and remedies.

• Without permission
• Infringement
• What action to take
• Your demands
• Court action
• Getting advice
• Infringing others
• Assignment 7

Lesson 8: Copyright and Collaboration. - Copyright Lesson 8 Preview

• How songs earn income
• Who are the songwritiers?
• Sharing the income
• All members equal
• Collaboration agreement
• Assignment 8

Lesson 9: Copyright in the Digital Age.

• P2P
• Illegal downloading
• Digital age
• MySpace
• YouTube
• IPod and iTunes
• Creative commons
• Quest for balance
• Assignment 9

Lesson 10: Bringing it All Together.

• Summary of rights
• Copyright owners rights
• The future
• Alternatives
• What have we learned?
• Assignment 10