??? Copyrighted Music: The Final Word ???

[Ranma]

I've heard many stories about how to use copyrighted music. Some people say that you have to get permission from the music artists. If this was the case, then I doubt anyone can use copyrighted music in their animation. Others have said that all you need to do is acknowledge it in the credits. But some people said that Autodesk isn't even gonna look at the credits so what's the use? One guy even said that we can use 30 seconds from any clip if it's no longer than that. Where did this one come from? Could someone please tell me what the ACTUAL answer is regarding copyrighted music? We're using Keep the Hope Alive by Crystal Method, and the song's pretty popular, and I don't think that the Autodesk judges will recognize the music, but just in case they do I don't want to be disqualified.