[admin]

Originally posted by SteveWalker
Admin,

That is what I thought of last night to do for someone who just wants their own personal recording. I have a few scenarios to deal with which as I will be doing this in my studio but I wish to be sure to do it right:

1. How many copies of this recording can I legally make for the client? Just one for the client that owns the CDG?

Legally it is a bag of worms. If it were me, I'd do 1 for 1. THAT... I know is legal.

2. Suppose the client wants two copies of their recording. Can I legally give them two copies? Or, do they have to have one CDG for each copy? Of course I can send them away with one copy and tell them whether or not it is legal to copy it so I'm out of the loop, right? Perhaps a signed agreement would be in order.

You make 1 for 1. What they do is their legal liability. I'd warn them and yes, a signed agreement is ALWAYS a good idea. That way you are exhonerated, you have warned them, and if they choose to copy, it is their legal problem not yours.

3. In another case I have a professional singer/client who wants me to make 50 copies the client intends to sell them to their fans. Is it legal for me to give them 50 copies for their personal use? And, if they sell those copies on their own am I also liable if they do not arrange contact the manufacturers and artists for permission and also pay the required fees? Should I stay away from duplication because of this?

1 for 1!!!! See answer directly above.

4. Let's say that I agree to contact the manufacturers and artists for permission and pay the required fees for the clients recording. How do I know who to contact? How do I know that I've got it all covered legally?

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!! You'll spend MONTHS OF TIME trying to even find out who holds the copyrights for you to pay. DON'T GO THERE! Leave it alone. You don't have the time to waste trying and probably failing... just my opinion after trying the same myself. You might try contacting the CDG disc manufacturer. They are ONE company who has alread paid royalties to produce the song. If they agree IN WRITING, then you are clear. BUT... don't make a SINGLE COPY over what you pay them for. Keep immaculate records, including times to start and stop duplication so you can prove how many you did make. Work aboveboard and folks are usually willing to work with you.

Thanks for the advice,
Steve