If you have sheet music or liner notes, there should be an indication included. For a digital file, there should be information embedded in the metadata.
If you don't have any materials like this, the best place to look is in the databases associated with the performing rights societies: they keep track of who owns what so they know where to send the check. Links to ASCAP and BMI's databases are below.
Yes, "The Wheels on the Bus" is a traditional children's song that is considered to be in the public domain, meaning it is not copyrighted. However, specific recordings or arrangements of the song may be copyrighted. It's important to check the copyright status of particular versions if you plan to use them commercially.
No, Glenn Miller did not own the copyright to the song "Perfidia." The song was originally composed by Alberto Domínguez in 1939. Miller, a prominent bandleader and musician, recorded a popular version of "Perfidia," but the copyright remained with the original composer and his estate.
No; it is a traditional Jamaican folk song.
Short phrases such as song titles cannot be protected by copyright.
Both the song and music are so old that copyright law does not cover them.
Copyright was restored under the Uruguay Round Agreements Act; it is administered by SADAIC.
The original 1950 Superman theme song, composed by Leon Klatzkin for the "Adventures of Superman" television series, is not in the public domain. Copyright laws typically protect musical compositions for a significant period, and as of now, the rights to the song are still held by the copyright owners. To determine the specific status, it's essential to check the current copyright registration and any potential renewals.
"Celebration" will be protected by copyright until 70 years after the death of the last surviving co-author, of which there are 10.
The copyright status of a guardian angel picture depends on who created it and when it was made. Generally, artworks remain protected under copyright law for the creator's life plus 70 years. If the picture is in the public domain, it means that its copyright has expired or the creator has waived their rights, allowing anyone to use it freely. It is best to research the specific picture's copyright status to determine if it is in the public domain.
No, song covers are not copyright free. Covering a song without permission from the original copyright holder can lead to legal issues.
After copyright term has expired, materials enter the public domain.
Photoplay magazine may still be under copyright protection, as the magazine likely contains original photographs, articles, and other content that are protected by copyright law. It is best to check the copyright status of specific issues of Photoplay magazine to determine if they are still protected.
Unless other agreements were made, the creator of a work is the copyright holder. However, copyright is transferable.
If you are not the creator of the work, you cannot claim copyright on it.
That would be copyright infringement if the original song was protected.
The book "Galileo and the Magic Numbers" by Sidney Rosen is likely not in the public domain as it was published in 1968, which means it is still under copyright protection. To determine its current copyright status, it is best to check with the publisher or copyright office.
You can only copyright a song if you are the song's author. You can't copyright someone else's song. Although the author can sell you their copyright.