Expert: Shannon Moore - 8/27/2008

Question
I have added a verse to a well known song, using the same melody as the original song, but  different lyrics, with just one word of the original lyrics used in second verse.

how do I go about finding current ownership of the song..original copyright was under rodgers/hammerstein ...I don't know the year, possibly 1950-1970 years...I will probably have to get the permission of current owner to add to the song, unless it is under public domain...thx for any help you can give...patricia s.

Answer
Dear Patricia,

To conduct a copyright search, go here: http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?DB=local&PAGE=First This is an electronic search of records AFTER 1978.

Records PRIOR to 1978 may be found only in the Copyright Public Records Reading Room. "The Copyright Card Catalog is located on the fourth floor (LM-459) of the James Madison Memorial Building of the Library of Congress. The public may use the catalog, which is staffed by a Copyright Office employee, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday through Friday, except federal holidays.

Alternatively, a researcher may ask the Copyright Office to conduct a search of the copyright records. Upon payment of a fee* per hour, the Office will conduct a search and provide a factual, noninterpretive report. These searches may be initiated by consulting the bibliographer on duty, using the online Search Request Estimate form on the Copyright Office website at www.copyright.gov/ foms/search_estimate.html, or writing to the Office at:

   Library of Congress
   Copyright Office
   Records Research & Certification Section
   101 Independence Avenue SE
   Washington, DC 20559-6000

   Fax: (202) 252-3485
   Tel: (202) 707-6850

Searches will be done in turn as received.

* Copyright Office fees are subject to change. For current fees, please check the Copyright Office website (http://www.copyright.gov/docs/fees.html), write the Copyright Office, or call (202) 707-3000."

Please let me know if I can assist you further. Thank you!

Warmest regards,
Shannon Moore
http://www.tmexpress.com