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Copyright & Trademark Concerns for Crafters: Song Lyrics

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I get asked a lot about particular copyright and trademark situations by blog readers. One that has come up several times recently is using song lyrics or titles in products made in your Silhouette or Cricut small business.

Let’s tackle one specific question today: “Can you legally use song lyrics in products you make for sale?” And unfortunately, it isn’t an easy question to answer – so be sure to read through to the end.

Important Dates to Know for Song Copyrights in the USA

  • Before 1923: Songs that were published before 1923 are now public domain. The copyright on these songs have expired.
  • 1923 – 1977: These songs are protected by copyright laws. The copyright on these songs expires 95 years from creation.
  • 1978 and on: These songs are protected by copyright laws. The copyright on these songs expires 70 years from the death of the author.

What about songs published outside of the USA? You’d need to look up the copyright laws of the country where the song was published.

Modern Day Song Lyrics & Copyright and Trademark Concerns

First, we are going to take a look at songs written in 1923 to present. Let’s call these ‘modern day songs’.

Can You Legally Use Modern Day Song Lyrics in Handmade Products?

For modern day songs, you can not use the song lyrics without written permission from the song writer or the music publishing company/record label.

But what if… you wanted to put the song lyrics and credit the singer/songwriter on the product? For example, if I wanted to make a painted wooden sign that read: “You belong among the wildflowers, You belong somewhere close to me, Far away from your trouble and worries, You belong somewhere you feel free .” -Tom Petty. This wouldn’t matter, you would still need to obtain written permission from the song writer or music publishing company/record label.

But what if… you wanted to use a portion of a lyric? For example: “She was an American girl, raised on promises.” If you don’t know, this is a portion of a Tom Petty song. Obviously, it’s a few lines from an entire song. No, you wouldn’t be able to use a portion of the lyric since it is a part of a copywritten work.

But what about song titles? In general, song titles are not protected by copyright since they are short and not unique. Amy shared insight on this in this question and answer post. But wait! There’s more – some modern day song titles and lyrics may be may also be trademarked. For example, artists like Beyonce and Taylor Swift trademark their titles and popular lyrics. A quick search of TESS can help you in these situations.

Can You Legally Use Older Song Lyrics in Handmade Products?

First, when I refer to ‘older songs’, I’m referring to songs that were written before 1923. The copyrights on these songs are expired and are now considered public domain. You can use the lyrics in products you make and sell freely. You can find public domain song lists at PDinfo.com. Additionally, if you are looking for Christmas public domain songs, I have a list on the blog at this link.

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Copyright & Trademark Concerns for Crafters: Song Lyrics - Great for Silhouette Portrait or Cameo and Cricut Explore or Maker Small Business Owners - by cuttingforbusiness.com

Article sources: https://copyright.cornell.edu/publicdomain and https://www.copyright.gov/title17/

Nikki

Tuesday 16th of May 2023

So, what would be the rules for freebies? Like they order something & you add in something you made with song lyrics as a fun free extra.

Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business

Monday 22nd of May 2023

Free/personal use doesn't change copyright or trademark issues. See this article on trademark myths: https://cuttingforbusiness.com/6-trademark-myths-you-have-to-stop-telling-yourself-in-your-craft-business/

Brian Goss

Saturday 1st of April 2023

Is it difficult or expensive to obtain permission?

Christine Schinagl, Cutting for Business

Saturday 1st of April 2023

It varies greatly from artist to artist.

V

Wednesday 24th of June 2020

I want to use the lyrics to a song on my packaging/thank you for my crafts. Can I legally do that? I'm not selling it I'm just using it on my packaging....does that make sense?

Christine, Cutting for Business

Wednesday 24th of June 2020

Hello! This is still commercial use (because you are using it for your business). You'd need to obtain permission.

Tessa

Wednesday 6th of February 2019

Question - if I was making a sign with a quote of a 'newer' song for personal use only (not selling) would this be considered copyright infringement?

Christine, Cutting for Business

Saturday 18th of May 2019

Still infringement. See this post: https://cuttingforbusiness.com/6-trademark-myths-you-have-to-stop-telling-yourself-in-your-craft-business/

Cassidy

Wednesday 25th of April 2018

Hello! I realize these songs are very old but since they're "American classics" if you will, I was wondering if they fall into some special category or are okay to use in crafting. "The Star Spangled Banner," "America the Beautiful," etc. Thank you!

Christine

Saturday 5th of May 2018

Hello! Most anthems are public domain since they are so old. America the Beautiful is also in the public domain.