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 is 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 considered public domain.
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** Note that contributions to collective works need not have the notice to ''retain'' the copyright if the collection itself has the copyright notice - provided the contributions are copyrighted by the same person (otherwise, the copyright notice is erroneous for such contributions).  See http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ03.html
 
* 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 had their copyrights restored (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).  Be 100% sure you have the rights to do so before posting anything.
  
 
==How Do Copyright Laws Differ Between Hymns and Compilations?==
 
==How Do Copyright Laws Differ Between Hymns and Compilations?==

Revision as of 21:33, 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 considered public domain.
    • Note that contributions to collective works need not have the notice to retain the copyright if the collection itself has the copyright notice - provided the contributions are copyrighted by the same person (otherwise, the copyright notice is erroneous for such contributions). See http://www.copyright.gov/circs/circ03.html
  • 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). Be 100% sure you have the rights to do so before posting anything.

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.