Here's an update. If the government watched their pocketbooks as close as they watched copyrighted material, we probably wouldn't have a deficate. Also what is meant by the term "public domain"? Is this the library or on store shelves? I've heard it said but NEVER followed up on it.

The "government" doesn't proactively search for copyright violators- generally speaking, private lawyers who represent the interests of copyright owners take care of that. What the government does is provide the legal framework (laws) for discouraging copyright lawbreakers and for prosecuting/punishing them when they do get exposed, just like any other criminal activity.

:The "government" doesn't proactively search for copyright violators- generally speaking, private lawyers who represent the interests of copyright owners take care of that. What the government does is provide the legal framework (laws) for discouraging copyright lawbreakers and for prosecuting/punishing them when they do get exposed, just like any other criminal activity.
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Hi, CV is right they have bigger fish to fry than 1 person copying music. You can copy pretty much any song you can think of from You Tube using the internal mike on you computer. The problem is when you share it. But somebody would have to turn you in. Now think if you copy a song on You Tube for your personal collection the problem isn't with you but the person who made it available. If you copy music and make it available to a friend for say the cost of the CD I don't think you would have a problem. But if you offer your recordings on say Ebay you would definetly have a problem. Sharing music has been around since the wire recorder was made but now with the internet it can get out of hand in a heart beat. The bands and music industry pushed this law when Napster was invented and you can't blame them because they lost tons of Royalty money. There that is my 2 cents, George T

Austin, you need to perfect your Google search technique. This info is from Wikipedia.

When Copyright Protection Becomes Public Domain (means no longer covered by the copyright)
The data below will let you know when you can safely use a piece of art or music without permission because it is now in public domain after copyright protection expiration, or how long the copyright protection will last.

Published before 1923 - now in public domain

Published from 1923 to 1963 - When published with a copyright notice © or "Copyright [dates] by [author/owner]" - copyright protection lasts 28 years and could be renewed for an additional 67 years for a total of 95 years. If not renewed, now in public domain.

Published from 1923 to 1963 - When published with no notice - now in public domain

Published from 1964 to 1977 - When published with notice - copyright protection lasts 28 years for first term; automatic extension of 67 years for second term for a total of 95 years.

Created before 1/1/1978 but not published - copyright notice is irrelevant - copyright protection lasts for the life of author and 70 years or 12/31/2002, whichever is greater

Created before 1/1/1978 and published between 1/1/1978 and 12/31/2002 - notice is irrelevant - copyright protecion lasts the life of author and 70 years or 12/31/2047, whichever is greater

Created 1/1/1978 or after - When work is fixed in tangible medium of expression - notice is irrelevant - copyright protecion lasts for the life of author and 70 years based on the the longest living author if jointly created or if work of corporate authorship, works for hire, or anonymous and pseudonymous works, the shorter of 95 years from publication, or 120 years from creation.

You can create and sell copies of your music collection legally by paying the royalty fees. The Harry Fox Agency (HFA)looks after this and they will happily take about 85 cents a song. You can pay with a credit card. Or you can write them a check and keep it in your shoe. :>)
But if it was my music, I'd be pleased to receive that royalty, thank you.

https://www.harryfox.com/public/DoIneedaMechanicalLicense.jsp

Austin, Do the letters 'NSA' meant anything to you? If not, you haven't been keeping up with the news lately. They are in your house if you have a telephone and computer.
http://www.nsa.gov/

:You can create and sell copies of your music collection legally by paying the royalty fees. The Harry Fox Agency (HFA)looks after this and they will happily take about 85 cents a song. You can pay with a credit card. Or you can write them a check and keep it in your shoe. :>)
:But if it was my music, I'd be pleased to receive that royalty, thank you.
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:https://www.harryfox.com/public/DoIneedaMechanicalLicense.jsp
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: Thank all of you for responding! I do know what NSA is but I didn't think they invaded land lines unless there was a reason. Maybe I've been too trusting. I have enough info. to make some GOOD choices & not get into trouble. I would like to end this & MANY, MANY thanks to all of you. People need to get sets repaired. This was just a WILD dream or idea. Best wishes to all of you.