Nothing much to sing about
An Age newspaper report has briefly discussed some of the changes to Australian copyright legislation. Police would be able to go to a market, find people selling pirated CDs and issue fines on the spot. Internet Industry Association has stated that these changes have gone too far and activities that could attract fine include recording a group of students singing a song then sharing it online.
It seems as if you need written permission from Time Warner to sing Happy Birthday. Singing it at restaurant, a party or any gathering is considered to be a public performance. Even humming the tune will become a criminal offence. The copyright will expire in 2030. I have discussed this before in this blog entry.
It is recommended that when you sing Happy Birthday, close all the curtains and darken the room except perhaps for the light from a candle. Wear masks and hats to protect your identity, perhaps helium to disguise your voice. Making humorous additions and satirical modifications to the lyrics may provide further legal protection from prosecution. Of course it is best to not take the risk and enforce the singing public domain folk tunes and birthday melodies such as German volksleiders, hymns or gospel at restaurants and schools.
Perhaps the Australian government would be happiest if we all kept our mouths firmly shut?
It seems as if you need written permission from Time Warner to sing Happy Birthday. Singing it at restaurant, a party or any gathering is considered to be a public performance. Even humming the tune will become a criminal offence. The copyright will expire in 2030. I have discussed this before in this blog entry.
It is recommended that when you sing Happy Birthday, close all the curtains and darken the room except perhaps for the light from a candle. Wear masks and hats to protect your identity, perhaps helium to disguise your voice. Making humorous additions and satirical modifications to the lyrics may provide further legal protection from prosecution. Of course it is best to not take the risk and enforce the singing public domain folk tunes and birthday melodies such as German volksleiders, hymns or gospel at restaurants and schools.
Perhaps the Australian government would be happiest if we all kept our mouths firmly shut?