Topic: Copyright Q

Normally, I would have posted this Q in the ask the expert forum - but here goes...
I have a singer in a novel that occasionally sings a few words from famous songs (Beatles, etc). What's the rule on that? No lyrics at all unless you've got permission? 5 words or less is OK? Go for it & hope you don't get sued?? Anyone know?

Quote Post 1

Re: Copyright Q

Hey, SP - I read once that you can't reproduce lyrics from a song without infringement of copyright unless you have permission. I don't think there's a minimum-word reg involved. Titles are fine. The lawyers would not likely know you did that unless your book gets on the NYT bestseller list, but I assume that would be your goal. smile So if you can work around it in your story without having your character actually sing the words, you'd be okay. Getting permission would seem to me to be an arduous task.

Quote Post 2

Re: Copyright Q

Yeah - most of the articles I'm seeing about it say titles are ok, but otherwise permission is needed. Ugh. More rewriting to do.
Thanks!

Quote Post 3