ABA Family Legal Guide

Computer Law

Computer Copyright and Trademark Issues

Legal Issues and Your Personal Website

May I set my webpage to music?

Yes, provided it is in the pubic domain or you do not infringe on the copyright of the recording company or artist. For example, downloading the music from a website without authorization from the recording company or artist could be illegal. Purchasing and downloading the music from a website owned by the company would also probably not be enough to put you on the right side of the law. When music is purchased (such as on a CD), it does not usually come with a right of public performance You'll need to get a license from the copyright holder for the public performance of the music, not just buy a copy.

Of course, you should not use your website to resell or e-mail music without explicit authorization from the copyright holder.