Copyright on my Lyrics-Database

[MrMean]

Well I'm slowly building my lyrics database, I have placed a disclaimer on the front of my site saying

"All contents contained within this site are subject to Copyright Laws and are the property of their respective authors, artists and labels. Commercial use prohibited."

Does this mean I'm now legally allowed to publish these lyrics on my website? Or am I breaking copyright laws?

[John Scott]

I have no clue.

[Zap]

I wouldn't think so.

Telling other people not to break copyright law doesn't change the fact that you did. I'm not a lawyer, but that would be my guess.

[MrMean]

Well: There are lots of websites publishing lyrics, I just don't want to get stung, I'm not sure where I should go for advice really. Any suggestions?

[Zap]

You should check with a copyright lawyer. They would be the expert.

I wouldn't look at the fact that other people are doing it, is any indication of whether or not it is legal. Many illegal things happen online every day. There just aren't enough people checking things like this.

If you want to test it, (this could be considered really evil, btw) find one of those lyrics websites and turn them in to one of the record labels that owns the lyrics they are publishing. If they are doing something illegal, you'll find out soon enough when you can't reach their website anymore.

[MrMean]

After a little research on Google I have come up with the conclusion that the legaities are being question at the momment (2005 - 2006) I found an interesting BBC article on Lyrics/Tab sites which is located here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4524086.stm

I also found a good discussion about this at:
http://www.geekvillage.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=29555

In conclusion I think I will hold out on further developments to my lyrics database for the time being until I know for sure what exactly is happening.

Cheers for the replies, hope you find the links interesting.

[Zap]

The other thing to think about is that some of the lyrics may be part of the public domain. If that is the case, then you are free to reproduce them.

[ryukenden]

I was also planning to develop Lyrics database site but after seeing many threads saying that it is not legal to display other's people's lyrics (work). I stopped developing it. But it is ulikely to be problem if you display very old lyrics. But newer ones might bring problems.

[Wing Chun]

either way, put an easy contact email address on every page and check ur email daily and remove any disputed content immediately else your host will probably remove it for you.