Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

Business Copyright Basics Fair Use and Public Domain Public Domain

Anwar Rizalman
seal-mask
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree seal-36
Anwar Rizalman
Python Development Techdegree Graduate 33,620 Points
Posted by Anwar Rizalman
.a{fill-rule:evenodd;}techdegree seal-36
Anwar Rizalman
Python Development Techdegree Graduate 33,620 Points

What does "The song is public domain, but the recording is copyrighted." mean actually?

I'm confused, can anyone give more clarity on this? How the song in the public domain can be use?

2 Answers

Mark Casavantes
Mark Casavantes
10,619 Points
Mark Casavantes
Mark Casavantes
10,619 Points

Good Morning Anwar,

An original song may be in the public domain because the copyright expired. A singer may sing the song and that song will be copyrighted.

Rick Gleitz
Rick Gleitz
47,197 Points
Rick Gleitz
Rick Gleitz
47,197 Points

The singer can freely use the song's lyrics and music to create a new thing (their own recorded version) which they (or their record label) own and can sell.