How far can we push the envelope

mikeymike2000 · Post by **mikeymike2000** » Wed Nov 14, 2012 11:06 pm

OK so as a general non-legally binding question...

If someone were to record a public domain song and alter the vocal to sound like a very well known cartoon character is this something that needs clearance or is it fair game?

The song is public domain, the work is original and the editing makes it sound like someone else, but that someone else is pretty popular. hmmm

Thanks for your time.

coachdebra · Post by **coachdebra** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 12:12 pm

My opinion - and I'm not a lawyer - I think it would fall under parody on the vocal and therefore be OK. I don't think you can copyright a voice. If you could Frank Gorshin wouldn't have had a career.

mikeymike2000 · Post by **mikeymike2000** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 12:30 pm

Thanks, Coach.

That is what I was thinking.

cardell · Post by **cardell** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 2:16 pm

mikeymike2000 wrote:If someone were to record a public domain song and alter the vocal to sound like a very well known cartoon character is this something that needs clearance or is it fair game?

OMG...what effect are you going to put on my voice!!

...

Stuart

mikeymike2000 · Post by **mikeymike2000** » Fri Nov 16, 2012 2:29 pm

cardell wrote:
mikeymike2000 wrote:If someone were to record a public domain song and alter the vocal to sound like a very well known cartoon character is this something that needs clearance or is it fair game?
OMG...what effect are you going to put on my voice!!

... :lol

Stuart

not your voice, mine. That is the only way people will like it.

nutotech · Post by **nutotech** » Sat Jan 05, 2013 11:03 pm

Wasn't there a lawsuit involving (I think) Bette Midler? Someone doing her voice style for a commercial or something being sued?

If I'm Warner Brothers and I hear/see a commercial or B roll in a movie with Porky Pig singing "D-D-D-Deck The Halls" me thinks a cease and desist is a comin'.

Not to be a wet blanket! Worked years in radio and Coach is right re: parody laws. But when an iconic voice is used to help someone profit without paying props (and $$) to the creator (i.e. Mel Blanc) and copyright holder? Hmmmm.

That dousing enthusiasm being said: Would think a YouTube parody created as "art" or "entertainment" with proper credit given to aforementioned parties would be perfectly acceptable under the parody clause. For what it's worth...

DesireInspires · Post by **DesireInspires** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 5:22 pm

If it feels good, go for it.

-Most likely, no one is going to notice.

-If they do notice, they probably won't sue.

-If they do sue, you don't have any money to fight so you would just give up all rights to the song as compensation.

Go for it.

mikeymike2000 · Post by **mikeymike2000** » Sun Jan 06, 2013 6:11 pm

HAHA

Yeah, I would have agreed and just went for it but I decided not to because I was not good enough to pull off what I was going for.

Maybe some other day though...

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