Nowadays, making karaoke videos and sharing them on social media platforms has become a popular trend. Although it brings many interesting moments of entertainment, copyright is still an issue that many content creators have to consider. So, is creating karaoke videos really a copyright violation? Let’s find out more details with VCD in the article below.
- What is a karaoke video?
A karaoke video is a type of video that combines background music (usually a beat or original music with the singer’s voice removed) with lyrics displayed visually so that viewers can sing along. Many people also create additional effects, illustrations or background videos to increase the appeal.
Normally, a karaoke video includes:
- Background music (beat/instrumental): The music version of the song with the main singer’s voice removed.
- Lyrics: Synchronized with the beat of the music, often highlighted for the singer to follow easily.
- Illustrative images or videos: Can be background videos, animations, or graphic effects to make the video more attractive.
However, even if it is just a “remake” or “cover” of a song, karaoke videos still directly use other people’s musical works – which are protected by copyright law.
2. Does creating a karaoke video violate copyright?
Copyright infringement is understood as the act of using another person’s work that has been registered for copyright and is protected by law under the provisions of the Law on Intellectual Property, but is done illegally. These acts may include: Copying, replicating, distributing, showing, displaying, broadcasting, renting… or performing other works protected by law without the consent of the copyright owner.
The copyright owner may be the author himself who created the work, or the producer, publisher, organization, or business to whom the author transfers ownership or exploitation rights. Copyright infringement not only harms the material interests of the owner, but also affects the honor, reputation and control over the work.
Copyright of a musical work includes the right to copy, distribute, perform, communicate and make derivative works…. When you create a karaoke video without the consent of the author or copyright owner, this act can be considered copyright infringement.
Specifically, using the original beat, lyrics, or arrangement of a copyrighted song requires a license or usage agreement with the owner. Otherwise, even if you only share it “for fun” or “non-profit”, the video can still be removed, blocked from display, or copyright claims.
In Article 28 of the Vietnamese Intellectual Property Law, there are up to 16 acts considered copyright infringement. Organizations and individuals who commit one of the above acts may be subject to civil, administrative or criminal sanctions depending on the level and nature of the act.
In addition, according to Clause 4, Article 19 of the Law on Intellectual Property, the owner has the right to protect the work he/she creates, including the right to: “Protect the integrity of the work from being distorted by others; not allowing others to modify or cut the work in any form that harms the honor and reputation of the author.”
Thus, karaoke videos are only legal when there is consent or a license to use from the copyright holder of the musical work. Complying with the above regulations not only helps avoid legal trouble, but also shows respect for the author’s creative efforts, and helps you build a reputable image when producing and sharing karaoke videos on social networking platforms.
Without approval, depending on the nature and severity of the violation, copyright violators when creating karaoke videos may be subject to:
- Administrative fine: from 3 to 5 million VND (according to Decree 28/2017/ND-CP).
- Forced to remove the video and make a public correction on mass media.
- In serious cases, civil lawsuits or criminal prosecution may be initiated if causing great damage to the copyright owner.
To avoid the risk of copyright infringement when creating karaoke videos to post on social networking platforms, you can:
- Ask for permission or sign a copyright contract with the author, musician or publishing company before using the work.
- Use copyright-free beats or clearly licensed music.
- Self-compose songs and create karaoke videos from your own work, thereby fully ensuring intellectual property rights.
- Clearly state the source, author’s name and non-commercial purpose when sharing publicly, to increase transparency and respect copyright.
Above is the article “Is creating karaoke videos a copyright violation?” compiled and shared by VCD. Hopefully this content will help you better understand copyright and how to use music legally.
Sincerely,