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.
 
* 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.
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* If it was published before 1 January 1978 without a legal copyright notice, it is also be considered public domain.
 
* Items published after 1 March 1989 do not need this notice to retain a copyright.
 
* Items published after 1 March 1989 do not need this notice to retain a copyright.
* Items published between 1 January 1978 and 1 March 1989 without the notice may or may not have their copyrights intact (depending on whether the omission was fixed).
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* Items published between 1 January 1978 and 1 March 1989 without the notice may or may not have had their copyrights restored (depending on whether the omission was fixed).
  
 
==How Do Copyright Laws Differ Between Hymns and Compilations?==
 
==How Do Copyright Laws Differ Between Hymns and Compilations?==

Revision as of 17:43, 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 is also be considered public domain.
  • Items published after 1 March 1989 do not need this notice to retain a copyright.
  • Items published between 1 January 1978 and 1 March 1989 without the notice may or may not have had their copyrights restored (depending on whether the omission was fixed).

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.