Copyright Specifics

[rolanoid]

Hi

I read somewhere that with musical works you can only copyright the words and 8 consecutive notes of the melody. Is this correct and does that mean you cannot copyright chord progressions and basslines?

Thanks

Michael D

[KathrynOverall]

Hi Michael,

Just wanted to point you to a useful resource for Australian copyright information (I used to work in music publishing in Sydney).
www.copyright.org.au Australian Copyright Council are the authority on copyright law in Oz, and have very helpful information sheets.
Broadly speaking, a song is made up a Literary Work (The lyrics) and a Musical Work. It would be helpful if the ACC would provide a defintion of Musical Work but I couldn't find one - however my feel is that it relates to melody and harmony, and the relationship between melody and chords is really what harmony is - they are an inseparable part of the whole. But I would suggest you get in touch with them. They are really helpful.
Hope that helps!

[rolanoid]

Hi Kathryn,

Thanks very much for that. I will definitely check it out.

Best wishes
Michael