Boss free Microtracks and copyright?

[Neo]

Hi, newby question here:) I've searched the forum and web for an answer and I hope this is the right place to post the question.

I've recorded some guitar instrumentals to the free Microtracks from Boss on the BR80 and I quite like them. So much in fact that I'd like to bung them on my youtube page.

Where do I (and others) stand from a copyright point of view? Also out of interest, what about any future uploading to itunes etc regarding selling of tracks?

Kev

[chip]

Well. Everyone's got to like them, if they don't, then don't worry about copyright. I hope that is taken for what it is?

[Neo]

Well. Everyone's got to like them, if they don't, then don't worry about copyright. I hope that is taken for what it is?

Hi Chip and thanks,

Sorry I should have worded it differently. Where would I stand copyright wise by using the Microworks backing tracks is what I should have said.

I think the way the question looks originally, I would appear to be a pompous ass.

[cuthbert]

Hi Neo,

We're not affiliated with BOSS or Roland in any way except as some of us own and use one or more of their recorders or other equipment, and I am not a lawyer, but if you look at the Microtracks EULA here:

http://www.bossus.com/support/downloads_updates/eula.php?FileName=MICROtracks.zip

And then examine the sections on Definitions, License, Restrictions, and Ownership, it appears to my (layman's) eye that when you download the Microtracks, you are permitted to use them on your MicroBR but you do not have legal ownership of them, so for instance, you would not be able to sell a musical work in which you used them. It doesn't address that question exactly, but it does say all rights on the Microtracks including copyright are reserved by Roland.

If you really want to know the answer positively, then you should send an enquiry directly to Roland. But based on my layman's understanding of their EULA, it looks like they are Roland's property.

And besides, it's a lot more fun to make your own original music - you definitely own that.

hth,
cuthbert

[64Guitars]

I get the impression that that EULA is just a generic document for all their software products and probably shouldn't be attached to the MICROtracks releases. For example, it says you may not "create derivative works based upon the Roland Product or any part thereof". Isn't the creation of derivative works the whole idea behind MICROtracks? I can't believe they meant for that clause to apply to MICROtracks.

But I do agree that Roland probably does still hold copyright on them and you're not allowed to sell songs you created using MICROtracks. The best thing to do is check with Roland, as cuthbert suggested.

And I wholeheartedly agree with cuthbert that making your own music is a lot more fun, and you don't have to worry about copyright issues with original music that you create yourself or with other members of Songcrafters.

[Mach]

You can get Mech. Lic. from the Harry Fox agency http://www.harryfox.com/ if your worried about posting without infringement issues. The packages include the Lic # to post for streaming ONLY. But then again most music site host have no way of verifying a number. You could enter a SS or Phone number as far as that goes. Most sites don't sweat it unless your trying to make a profit and just not sharing streams.

Also, Check to see if the microtracks are Royalty Free.

Mach

[Neo]

Thanks everyone, that's a great help.

Shouldn't be a problem uploading tunes to places like this 'ere forum but like you say, a good idea to rattle off an email to Roland Boss.

Cheers

[Hilary]

Thanks everyone, that's a great help.

Shouldn't be a problem uploading tunes to places like this 'ere forum but like you say, a good idea to rattle off an email to Roland Boss.

Cheers

It'd be interesting to know what they say, if you could let us know when you get a reply (not that I use them, so it doesn't apply to me)

[Neo]

Thanks everyone, that's a great help.

Shouldn't be a problem uploading tunes to places like this 'ere forum but like you say, a good idea to rattle off an email to Roland Boss.

Cheers

It'd be interesting to know what they say, if you could let us know when you get a reply (not that I use them, so it doesn't apply to me)

Well I got a reply from Roland UK :-

"Thanks for your email.

Providing you are not charging people for the audio recordings that you have recorded using the Microtracks, you will not be breaching any copyright laws.

Although, I would highly recommend contacting Reverb Nation for their view on this before uploading the tracks to the site.

Kind regards

Dan"

So there it is, straight from the horses mouth. Very pleased cos I really like jamming to the tracks and sharing the results.

Have now fired off a question to Reverbnation.

[cuthbert]

Providing you are not charging people for the audio recordings that you have recorded using the Microtracks, you will not be breaching any copyright laws.

They don't allow selling of any work using Microtracks because Roland (or whoever they commissioned to create them) owns the copyright.

But they do allow you to share your recordings online as long as you don't charge for them - which I suppose makes sense since Roland provides them for jamming and such. Still, it's good to know where you stand legally by the copyright owners regarding their use.