The copyright law is very clear on copying music. If you do not have express permission from the rightful owner of the song, you cannot make a copy.
Many church music leaders who have made efforts to honor the law and have tried to obtain permission first from the copyright owner before making copies have found this to be a time-consuming challenge and in many cases, an administrative nightmare.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)About Licensing
Why should I be concerned about copyright issues?
Federal Copyright Law prohibits the unauthorized copying of “original works of authorship” (including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic and certain other intellectual works), and penalties for copyright violations can be up to $150,000 per infringement. Ethically, owners of copyrighted material are entitled to the fruits of their labors, hence copyright protection for original works is fair and right.
Why does my ministry, church or praise and prayer group need a license?
Churches and other ministries often face copyright infringement issues in two vital areas:
copying music without permission, and
showing videos/movies without authorization.
CCLI and OCP both provide practical licensing solutions in both areas (see Links).
If we only project songs, do we need a license?
In most cases, yes. Entering and storing copyrighted song lyrics on a computer without permission of the copyright owner is a reproduction copying activity and is a violation of the Federal Copyright Law.
Created to Worship would be glad to help answer any of your questions. Feel free to contact us.
Thank You for your prayers and financial support of Created to Worship Ministries!