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That's how covers work. They can be a nice thing — essentially quoting an artist you like — or they can be bullshit, like this. It's not illegal, but it's not
by mr_eel 14y ago
That's how covers work. They can be a nice thing — essentially quoting an artist you like — or they can be bullshit, like this.
It's not illegal, but it's not ethical.
- richeyrw 14y agoThis article would seem to indicate that it is in fact illegal. http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/01/18/jonathan_coulton_glee_and_baby_got_back_did_fox_steal_the_arrangement.html http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/01/18/jonathan_coul...
- andrewchoi 14y agoIANAL, but I thought those rights only extended to parodies? Covers aren't protected because the copyright extends to the words and music.
- tantalor 14y agoThe JC version has a distinct melody/arrangement, so qualifies as an original work. The lyrics are not.
- andrewchoi 14y agoExactly, the music is different enough that the entire production counts as an original work, whereas the Glee version has neither, and thus would be considered a cover.
- wmf 14y agoIIRC parodies are generally legal due to fair use and covers are also legal (as long as you pay the royalties) due to statutory licensing.
- dthunt 14y ago(edit: removed the happy birthday analogy, it doesn't really clarify anything) In John Coulton's case, I'm not sure what he was required to do in order to license the lyrics for his original cover; i.e. whether he paid the calculated rate or negotiated something else. But it looks like Glee owes to two parties at best (if they actually lifted his audio like Timbaland this could get ugly)
- InclinedPlane 14y agoThe joco version is properly an arrangement. Also, parodies are certainly protected, but in what way is glee's version a parody of joco's arrangement?
- andrewchoi 14y agoI'm not saying that it is, mr_eel claimed that Glee's version wasn't illegal.
- gte910h 14y agoTo put the song on itunes, that's a cover To broadcast it on TV with people singing it, that requires a sync license. That requires direct negotiation with all parties who hold any copyright.