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using sample segments and the legalities - Printable Version

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using sample segments and the legalities - tuned circuit - 27-01-2010

Does anyone here know what the laws are regarding using a sample segment of other artists? For instance, I recently took a short clipping of a vocal from a a Puccini opera, applied a couple effects to it and incorporated it into my own electronica piece.

A friend said he believed that would not be considered plagiarism because the original work has been changed enough times, but I want to make sure.


using sample segments and the legalities - JonG - 28-01-2010

Like your friend said, as long as it is processed beyond recognition you should be fine. Also, if you piece isn't for sale or public broadcast it doesn't matter. Who will know? And even then the offended party would have to hear your work and file a complaint. I don't think they're going to go after someone unless that someone is making a profit off the sampled artist's work.


using sample segments and the legalities - tuned circuit - 28-01-2010

JonG Wrote:Like your friend said, as long as it is processed beyond recognition you should be fine. Also, if you piece isn't for sale or public broadcast it doesn't matter. Who will know? And even then the offended party would have to hear your work and file a complaint. I don't think they're going to go after someone unless that someone is making a profit off the sampled artist's work.

There is a strong possibility that I will at some point try to sell the music I mentioned, and I don't know if I would say processed beyond recognition. But it's just a segment.. probably less than ten seconds long.

It might not really be enough of a sample for anyone to quibble about, but you never know.


using sample segments and the legalities - Jerome - 09-07-2011

If someone can recognize the original piece then you might run into trouble. Why don't you just write your own piece? No comebacks that way.


using sample segments and the legalities - CRAZY-HORSE - 09-07-2011

Jerome Wrote:If someone can recognize the original piece then you might run into trouble. Why don't you just write your own piece? No comebacks that way.

i agree....its recently come back to haunt Men At Work with their hit "down under" after almost 30yrs since they released it.


using sample segments and the legalities - Zuzz - 12-07-2011

The song would have to be very popular to get caught i think.


using sample segments and the legalities - Jerome - 15-07-2011

Zuzz Wrote:The song would have to be very popular to get caught i think.

Incorrect! - If the original composer has his work copright-protected and can prove that the melody structure was orginally his idea the con man is going to be in trouble. Copyright does not only cover popular works - it covers all original material. And these days, because of digital time/date stamps created automatically in DAW's it's even easier to prove you have original ownership. The information is even encoded in the original files in some cases. Popularity does not come into it at all. Be careful.


using sample segments and the legalities - tuned circuit - 21-07-2011

Jerome Wrote:Incorrect! - If the original composer has his work copright-protected and can prove that the melody structure was orginally his idea the con man is going to be in trouble. Copyright does not only cover popular works - it covers all original material. And these days, because of digital time/date stamps created automatically in DAW's it's even easier to prove you have original ownership. The information is even encoded in the original files in some cases. Popularity does not come into it at all. Be careful.

What's DAW?


using sample segments and the legalities - Tiggi - 21-07-2011

Digital Audio Workstation.