Question regarding use of famous quotes

[jkinnear]

Hi all,

I was wondering what the requirements are when an author wishes to use a quote from a famous source, specifically, as in my case, a famous song.

I have seen other authors, such as Tad Williams in The War of the Flowers, use lyrics from sources such as the Rolling Stones or AC/DC. In such an instance is it necessary to receive permission from the creator, or is it enough to immediately reference the source? Does the length of the quote or its placement in my story (ie. the middle of a chapter vs. at the beginning of the book) effect the rules of usage?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer.

[The Ace]

I think you're allowed around 20 words before you have to quote the source, but attributing it correctly in a chapter heading seems to be the norm.

[zoran]

I don't know is it legal, but I intend to use such quotes without asking. Because I don't want to bother with asking, and I'm doing them a favor anyway.

[pyan]

The original lyricists may not see it like that though, Zoran...and a breach of copyright may be extremely expensive if they decide it's worth pursuing.

[Teresa Edgerton]

I think you'll avoid problems getting permission further down the line if you keep it short. But the time to worry about getting that permission is when the story is about to be published.

Apart from ethical considerations, violation of copyright can lead to big problems for both the writer and the publisher.

As for doing the songwriter a favor: I used to have a friend (the operative words being used to) who was always doing me favors I neither asked for nor wanted -- sometimes, in fact, I had already made this quite clear -- and then she expected me to be grateful. Somehow, I never was.

[zoran]

Originally Posted by pyan

The original lyricists may not see it like that though, Zoran...and a breach of copyright may be extremely expensive if they decide it's worth pursuing.

Well, I'll try it and I'll let you know what happened.

[zoran]

Now that we are talking about copyright, an OFFTOPIC crossed my mind:
we have a law that says, if you buy stuff in a shop, and they give you a plastic bag with the shop's name on it, they are not allowed to charge you for the bag. Because it's promo material and you are advertising them by carrying the bag around.

So, if I decide to wear a "Sex Pistols" T-shirt, should "Sex Pistols" give me a free T-shirt because I'm advertising them?

I think this is an interesting philosophyc issue.

[jkinnear]

Originally Posted by zoran

Now that we are talking about copyright, an OFFTOPIC crossed my mind:
we have a law that says, if you buy stuff in a shop, and they give you a plastic bag with the shop's name on it, they are not allowed to charge you for the bag. Because it's promo material and you are advertising them by carrying the bag around.

So, if I decide to wear a "Sex Pistols" T-shirt, should "Sex Pistols" give me a free T-shirt because I'm advertising them?

I think this is an interesting philosophyc issue.

Well we don't have any such law here in Canada regarding the shopping bags, but as far as your t-shirt scenario I would definately have to say that your theory doesn't fly.

You have purchased that shirt, in part, because it fits with the image you are trying to create for yourself. In this instance, you are basically 'borrowing' part of the Sex Pistols image for yourself, and therefore are most definately in a position to be paying the band for that right.

[jkinnear]

Thank you for the replies. It seems to be much as I suspected in that obtaining permission is the best way to go.

The is especially true in my situation, as I would like to use several lines of verse from a popular song at the beginning of my book, to appear on a page of its own before the first chapter. I didn't think merely referencing the artist would suffice, but I thought I would ask anyway.

As has been said though, this is something the (potential) publisher would be able to weigh in on best.

[zoran]

Originally Posted by jkinnear

You have purchased that shirt, in part, because it fits with the image you are trying to create for yourself.

I'm trying to create myself the image of a person who is not willing to be a walking add for no profit.

But let's drop this, we might be ruining the topic.

[TheEndIsNigh]

Originally Posted by jkinnear

Hi all,

I was wondering what the requirements are when an author wishes to use a quote from a famous source, specifically, as in my case, a famous song.

I have seen other authors, such as Tad Williams in The War of the Flowers, use lyrics from sources such as the Rolling Stones or AC/DC. In such an instance is it necessary to receive permission from the creator, or is it enough to immediately reference the source? Does the length of the quote or its placement in my story (ie. the middle of a chapter vs. at the beginning of the book) effect the rules of usage?

Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer.

Not wishing to sound too flippant but isn't the idea to get them to quote you in one off their songs.