Music Copyright Infringement

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MUSIC COPYTIGHT INFRINGEMENT (THE GAVEL SWINGS BOTH WAYS) Abstract The Copyright Laws of 1976 have been enforced and amended over the years with the increase of technology. The laws were amended to encompass digital music copyrights under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998. The uploading of music to the internet has made it easier for internet users to download copyrighted music violating the Copyright Laws of 1976 and its amendments. Even with these laws in place, internet companies and aspiring musicians still attempt to use copyrighted music/lyrics to jump start or further their music career. Loopholes are often found by these cyber criminals making their infringement less likely to be seen as such in courtrooms all across America. Deciding what is or is not copyright infringement has the public in a frenzy. In this essay, we will review a few cases filed and appealed in the judiciary system. The outcomes of each case reviewed are intended to shock, awe and surprise readers. The musicians and companies who attempt copyright infringement in this essay are well known in the public eye. Paper Section The music industry has evolved over the years largely due to the advancement of the advancement of technology. The advancement in the music industry due to technology also came with negative consequences such as copyright infringement and theft of intellectual property. With these crimes now being committed, laws had to be passed to protect musicians and their music. Musicians copyrighted their music with the understanding that their work would not be reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without their permission (U.S. Copyright, 1976). During the digital boom of the mid 1990’s music lovers could go to the internet and download almost any song or album of their choice. This outraged the
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