I want to use the melody of "Mickey Mouse March" as background for a political radio commercial. Does anyone know where to search for information about legal implications of doing this?
This same radio station uses Tommy Morgan's performance of the "Rockford Files" theme for a commercial but the advertiser may have an agreement.
My searches take me to mazes, loops and websites that want to sell alternatives. I've read that even public domain material has gotchas so it's difficult, as always, to separate fact from fiction
I'm sorry I can't help with your search. I can tell you as you might already know that Disney is very protective of their properties. I have seen them go after child care centers because the center had Disney characters painted on their buildings.
Here is a link about Public Domain and another about the Mickey Mouse March. Based on this, I'd say it is almost certainly not in the public domain yet, and won't be for some time. Disney has been one of the biggest lobbying ground games when it comes to extending copyright. If they'd been around at the time Shakespeare would still be under copyright.
Thanks for the info & links. The public domain site was helpful but I'm running out of time. I wish (upon a star) that there was a one-stop clearing house for this information. I'll ask what they do at the station and revisit this space if they have something interesting.
Meanwhile, I'll just google me up another children's song. I was wondering how topical a 'Mickey' reference would be anyway. Who besides baby boomers would get it?
I see that the easysonglicensing site nate posted claims to be able to clear any song in 1 to 2 business days at prices starting at $14.95. Has anyone here actually used them?
Well, I talked to the station manager and he told me that he 'has' the Mickey Mouse March song and it can be used as background in the original form.
But, but, I want to play on a commercial!
While he didn't elaborate, he did say the candidate can do anything he wants but he takes full responsibility for the content when he signs the contract.
Someone sent me a list of children's songs that are in the public domain:
I'm no lawyer, but I don't think knowingly putting something on the air that is under copyright and just saying 'It's the advertiser's responsibility' is quite up legal snuff. Political candidates seem to be some of the worst offenders too.
He was somewhat kidding about the legal aspect. He pays a subscription fee to the big 3 which are ASCAP, BMI & SESAC. Fees vary based on population, market, etc. Also, if his station wasn't primarily talk radio his fees would go up substantially. He doesn't worry about covers because the situation has never come up. He has always picked from his library.
