OK…since all the other threads on this topic are REALLY REALLY old, I’m going to start this one instead of replying. Those other threads were deliberating whether you need permission from the artists, and whether only you need the rights, or whether Autodesk and FIRST also need the rights. I emailed autodesk and here’s what I got:
If you decide to use copyrighted music, please obtain written permission from the copyright owner and include that with your entry. You do not need to obtain rights for Autodesk; I don’t know about FIRST
My guess is if Autodesk doesn’t need the rights neither does FIRST, but make sure the artists know that it will be shown in public.
Autodesk also sent me a PDF that says:
“U.S. Copyright law prohibits using commercial recorded or copyrighted music without express written consent of the copyright owner.”
If your team decides to use copyrighted music in your animation, your entry must include written permission from the legal copyright owner to use such music. Without written consent from the copyright owner your entry will be disqualified.
For more information on how to find the copyright owner, it is suggested that you visit BMI or ASCAP websites.
Don’t know what those websites are but I’m sure a Google search would turn something up.
The rights are probably not as hard to get as you think…we called Epic, to find out if we could use some ACDC in our animation, and they said that would be fine…IF we pay a $200 administration fee. We’re going to call back and haggle. Suggest anyone who wants to use copyrighted music should do the same.
I’m attaching the full PDF I was sent for anyone who wants to see it (although I’m sure you can find it somewhere else)
copyright music information.pdf (52.6 KB)
copyright music information.pdf (52.6 KB)