“Five Common Copyright Mistakes And How To Avoid Them” Christian Copyright Solutions has guidance here. It suggests the following: evaluate activities, allow time for clearances, maximize blanket licenses, P.L.A.N., and know the religious service exemption. P.L.A.N. stands for prepare, learn, allow, and never: The main mistakes are as follows:
#1 – Forget to Evaluate Church Copyright Activities
#2 – Allow Insufficient Time for Clearances
#3 – Don’t Maximize Blanket Licenses
#4 – Forget to P.L.A.N. for Copyright Compliance
- Prepare a list of all the details for each copyrighted work you plan on using for each program or event. You can include this list in your creative program checklist:
- Learn the basics of the copyright law or let a copyright professional help with research and licenses.
- Allow enough time to research and obtain permission, usually 3-4 weeks for Christian music and up to 12 weeks for secular.
- Never use copyright material without permission or exemption. If you don’t have permission, then find another way of creatively expressing your ideas. Perhaps one of your team members can write a new song to fit the concept you’re developing.
#5 – Assume the Religious Service Exemption Covers Everything