Am I able to use the names of bands and their songs without permission? ?
In writing, am I able to write on bands using their names, as well as their discography, without receiving permission from them? (Giving them full credit, of course.)
In writing, am I able to write on bands using their names, as well as their discography, without receiving permission from them? (Giving them full credit, of course.)
Allison
Depends how you want to use it and you SHOULD ask permission. It's not YOUR music to use!
MsBittner
Violet, the bands' names and the titles of their songs and albums are free to use. They cannot be copyrighted. (A band's name can be trademarked, but it's rare.)
What you cannot use without risk of being sued is the lyrics to any of their songs. Those are protected by copyright.
Tony B
Of course you can!
Anonymous
It's not a criminal offence. It can be a civil matter if they take action but, while they might not take action you don't know if they will or not. If they do you must pay a royalty, which is most of your profits from selling their work. Usually their solicitor will try to get it off you by just asking for it and then only go to court if you decline or don't respond. You don't have to ask permission, people ask permission sometimes just because they want to but, you must always pay if they want it.