Copyright Law

What do I need to know?

Regardless of where you are in the world, understanding copyright law can be exhausting. For example, the first chapter of the U.S. Copyright Law—which simply defines basic legal language—totals more than 45,000 words. That’s one chapter!

And if the U.S. Copyright Office and copyright lawyers are the only ones who truly understand the minutiae within, it’s easy to understand why disputes occur. The law is extensive. It’s confusing. And for churches, schools or organizations, a seemingly honest error or omission can be both embarrassing and time-consuming. At the same time, the law seeks fairness and protection for all parties.

How does my church or organization protect itself?

First off, by honoring the copyright laws that apply in your country. CCLI can help. With the proper copyright license, churches, organizations and schools are legally covered to display films, play or perform music, download songs or lyrics, and copy, reproduce, and distribute the words and images contained within. All the while saving administrative time, expense and effort.
We should underscore that CCLI doesn’t write or enforce copyright law. Yet as our customers further embrace technology to share the power of music, film, words and images, CCLI ensures they are covered under the law.