Q. What steps should our music ministry take to avoid copyright-related lawsuits?

A. Gain permission from the owner for the proposed use of any copyrighted materials before using them.

You should consider the impact of copyright laws before you:

• Use media such as movie clips, computer graphics, or sound bites in your ministry.

• Show a film to a group at church.

• Copy sheets of music for your music ministry team.

How Best to Comply

The best way to comply with copyright law is to not use a photograph, song, film, or computer-generated image without permission for the proposed use. You have several options available to avoid copyright infringement, including the purchase of a blanket license that applies to several works for a specific use.

Posted 2024

The information provided in this article is intended to be helpful, but it does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for the advice from a licensed attorney in your area. We strongly encourage you to regularly consult with a local attorney as part of your risk management program.