Song lyrics copyrights

[Deleted User]

I was wondering if anyone knew the copyright status of partial song lyrics. I was thinking of using snippets of lyrics on promotional products (think t-shirts, mugs) but I'm not sure if I'm allowed to.

Since lyrics are not published, are freely available to listen to on the radio or read from the internet, unless they are explicitally copyrighted, can I use them?

micoli

There is an intellectual copyright on all things creative. You will actually be reproducing the lyrics for gain. It seem like an open and shut case to me.

Torby

I see where micoli is coming from, but would it really be possible to sue someone for breach of copyright if you printed a tee shirt with the word "Relax" on it....(some of you older mse'rs would remember), after all its a word thats in common useage in the English language? I can see where the combination or a string of words lifted directly from a song may cause problems...but again if its not an advertising slogan and its a phrase in everyday useage...why not?....surely you can't claim intellectual rights on a phrase in the English language?...besides, what if you change the phrase or line and add a slightly different word...who does copyright belong to in that case?