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The romantic ballad “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur struck a chord with millions, becoming a global phenomenon. But with such widespread popularity comes scrutiny, and questions inevitably arise: Is Say You Wont Let Go Copyright protected, and to what extent? This article delves into the copyright status of the song, exploring the rights held by its creators and the implications for its use.
Deciphering the Copyright Landscape of “Say You Won’t Let Go”
Understanding whether “Say You Won’t Let Go” is copyright protected requires examining the fundamental principles of copyright law. Copyright automatically vests in the author of an original work, including musical compositions and lyrics, the moment it’s fixed in a tangible medium (e.g., written down or recorded). This means that James Arthur, as the co-writer and performer, along with the other songwriters and the music publisher, hold the copyright to the song. This copyright grants them exclusive rights over several aspects of the work:
- Reproduction (making copies)
- Distribution (selling or giving away copies)
- Public performance (playing the song publicly)
- Creation of derivative works (adapting or modifying the song)
The specifics of the copyright ownership are typically governed by agreements between the songwriters, the performer, and the music publisher. These agreements dictate how royalties are split, who controls the licensing of the song for various uses (e.g., in movies, commercials, or covers), and who has the authority to enforce the copyright against infringement. Generally, music publishers actively monitor and manage their copyrights to ensure that the copyright holders receive appropriate compensation for the use of their work. It’s also worth noting that copyright protection lasts for the life of the author plus 70 years. For works of corporate authorship (like songs controlled by a publisher), the term is generally 95 years from publication or 120 years from creation, whichever expires first.
Infringement occurs when someone exercises one of these exclusive rights without permission from the copyright holder. This could include:
- Unauthorized recording of the song.
- Performing the song publicly without obtaining the necessary licenses.
- Creating a derivative work (like a remix) without permission.
| Copyright Holder | Rights |
|---|---|
| James Arthur & Co-writers | Composition, Lyrics |
| Music Publisher | Administration, Licensing |
For a deeper understanding of copyright law and how it applies to musical works, we encourage you to consult with legal resources specializing in intellectual property rights.