Legal Question in Intellectual Property in Texas
Copyrights in Church Services.
Are churches required to obtain permission from the copyright owner to
display lyrics during a religious service via projection (overhead,
projector, etc.)? Additionally, is permission required to duplicate sheet
music of copyrighted songs for the purpose to teaching musicians how
to play for religious service?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Copyrights in Church Services.
Yes. Many publishers will freely give permission for their songs to be performed, but permission should be obtained, and the copyright notice displayed with the lyrics. Similarly, no photostatic copies of copyrighted music or lyrics should be used for purposes of teaching without permission. While a one time use of a part of a work may fall into an exemption called "fair use", the failure to obtain necessary permission can lead to civil penalties of up to $150,000.00 for each such infringement.
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