COPYRIGHT: Can you use or even give away music if you are not making money by doing so?

Performance and use of music without the permission of the copyright owner, is a violation of UK and US Copyright Law. US law provides for a minimum fine of $500 and a maximum of $20,000 per infraction. If the perpetrator is found to have acted wilfully the fines can be considerably higher than $20,000. Yes, you read it right, the fines are per infraction. Needless to say, finding a web site playing music without permission would be a bonanza, even at the minimum of $500 per play it racks up pretty fast. Putting a counter on your site would also be a great help in keeping track of the balance owed!

ROYALTY-FREE LICENSE: This term is often misinterpreted. It does not mean copyright-free. Every time a radio station plays a piece of music, the copyright owner is due a royalty/performance fee. Royalty-free simply means the right to collect a fee for each performance has been waived.

Many people are unaware that the copyright owner may still retain all rights to the music. The copyright owner may have only granted Restrictions under the license. Be aware that performance rights are only waved under a specific set of circumstances. If you use the music in a different manner you may be breaking the law! Read the fine print and also pray that the vendor has not stolen what you are being given or sold!

MUSIC LIBRARIES:These are nothing more than a collection of music for sale. They are hopefully royalty free and often have strict licensing requirements. Be careful, you may have a license for one medium but not another. Usually for use on a use on a single computer and never multi licensed. Do not put them on a network.

Custommusic4u.com provides original compositions by Stewart Maclennan, Bmus, which are available under license.

For further details on copyright law: Uk Copyright Law and Copyright Service Uk