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I'm starting a home video editing business; can I use commercial music for my videos that my costumers provide?
I have a copyright waiver form that says I can copy copyrighted material; do I need to do something else to provide this service?

Asked by alexisarreola
Posted: Friday, December 12, 2008  |  Found in Legal Issues

More answers by Nina Kaufman
Answer by Nina Kaufman
You may not use commercial music for your videos unless you have some form of license (that you pay for) or other permission to use it. The music is the copyrighted property of the composer/producer. I don't know where you got the copyright waiver form, but unless it's signed by the person or company whose work you want to copy, it won't help you.

Speak to a copyright attorney to get your documentation together; that way you'll be able to present your clients with a contract that's fair, accurate and within the bounds of the law.
Nina L. Kaufman is an award-winning business attorney, author and speaker. For more than 15 years, she has successfully navigated thousands of small businesses through the legal hurdles they face in starting and running their companies. Under her AskTheBusinessLawyer.com brand, she reaches thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners with her legal services, professional speaking, information products, and LexAppeal weekly ezine.

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