So, I've got a completely non-Tessitura related question, but I was hoping some other organizations might have some insight into the issue that they could share with us.
Our Marketing & Company Administration departments are currently working on writing show synopses for our upcoming program. However, they were wondering about the appropriateness of using synopses from other sources, such as ones found online (with proper attribution, of course). What about if they'd like to make minor edits to such synopses? Would we need permission from the original source first? Does it change the manner in which they need to be credited? Are there copyright issues that need to be considered, if the original source is freely available online? Any other myriad issues to be aware of?
Thanks in advance for any input/advice!
Aaron
In a prior life I handled contracts and royalties for a book publishing company. Yes, you should get written permission from the copyright holder. Even if there is no copyright notice published on the page where you find the synopsis you want to use—even if there was no formal copyright application—the work is still protected. Usually, when companies grant reprint rights, they will specify the type of attribution necessary, and they will want to see any changes you make, as well. If you’re lifting a line or two from somewhere, with attribution, that’s called “fair use” and is allowed. Otherwise, copyright law is pretty clear that you can’t use other people’s work without permission.
I’ve been editing Florida Grand Opera’s program books for 10 years, and have occasionally found translations of arias online that I’ve wanted to use, as well as program notes that I’ve wanted to use. I’ve never had trouble getting permission—and I haven’t had to pay anything, either.
Lucie
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Lucie Spieler
IT Development and Training Manager
Florida Grand Opera