Difference between revisions of "Public Domain"

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==Which Hymns Are Public Domain?==
 
==Which Hymns Are Public Domain?==
Generally, a hymn is in the public domain if it was published on or before 1923.
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* Generally, a hymn is in the public domain if it was published on or before 1923.
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* If it was published before 1 January 1978 without a legal copyright notice, it may also be considered public domain.
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* Items published after 1 January 1978 do not need this notice to retain a copyright.
  
 
==How Do Copyright Laws Differ Between Hymns and Compilations?==
 
==How Do Copyright Laws Differ Between Hymns and Compilations?==

Revision as of 17:18, 8 May 2007

Definition

  • This term refers to works which have expired or non-existing copyrights. Essentially, this means that people can do what they want with the work without permission, and without breaking any laws.

Which Hymns Are Public Domain?

  • Generally, a hymn is in the public domain if it was published on or before 1923.
  • If it was published before 1 January 1978 without a legal copyright notice, it may also be considered public domain.
  • Items published after 1 January 1978 do not need this notice to retain a copyright.

How Do Copyright Laws Differ Between Hymns and Compilations?

HymnWiki Notes

  • Unless otherwise noted, this only refers to public domain content in the United States. Works in other countries may have different copyrights.