Quote:
Originally Posted by GA Russell
drofgnal, I think that you have a misunderstanding of US copyright law regarding music.
I could be wrong, but I don't think that the copyright holder has the right to prohibit the public performance of a song. He just has the right to be paid for it.
As far as I know, when Democratic musicians ask Republican politicians to stop using their songs, they are merely making a request (accompanied by a self-serving press release) rather than making a demand.
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You may be correct, apparently the legal ramifications are unclear. I found this in Rolling Stone magazine:
The trouble started on Monday evening when Bachman played "American Girl" at the end of a speech in Iowa where she officially announced her presidential campaign. The Petty camp immediately sent the candidate a cease and desist letter, but the legal rights of politicians to play music at campaign events without the permission of the artists is unclear. Many legal experts feel that if the campaign buys a license from ASCAP they are allowed to play any song they want without seeking approval from the artist. Others argue that the use of a song at a campaign rally implies that the artist endorses the politician, and thus they must seek approval from the musician. The matter has yet to be tested before a judge, but most politicians stop the moment that an artist complains.
Read more:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/ne...#ixzz1k1JLFytK