Copyright Law

Consumers are interacting with more music now than anytime in the past. Everything from interactive streaming sites, non-interactive sites, permanent download services, and music in video games, TV, and film are now vital revenue streams for musicians. All of these services also rely on the fundamental principles of copyright to effectively compensate musicians. Every musician, author, filmmaker, or other creator needs to understand the basics of how their creative works are protected by copyright law, and what rights they have as a content owner.

Copyright Law teaches the basics of copyright and what it protects, and provides students with an understanding of how to both monetize and protect their works from unauthorized exploitation. The course is taught through an analysis of real-world cases decided by courts, and study of copyright law as passed by the United States Congress. Topics include the six exclusive rights of copyright owners, how to register a copyright, the duration of copyright protection, tests for infringement liability, remedies available to those whose works are infringed, and the "fair use" defense. The course also explores compulsory royalty rates for technologies such as interactive streaming, high-profile new media court cases, such as Napster and Grokster, and international treaties to protect works overseas.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• read and understand a court case
• understand the history and applicability of copyright to all creative works, with a specific emphasis on music
• explain copyright infringement and the penalties and defenses to it
• write an analysis of a case involving digital media and copyright
• protect your own works from unauthorized exploitation

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