[wp-trac] [WordPress Trac] #15769: Hello Dolly plugin doesn't explain license of copyrighted lyrics

[WordPress Trac]

#15769: Hello Dolly plugin doesn't explain license of copyrighted lyrics
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 Reporter:  novasource    |        Owner:                 
     Type:  defect (bug)  |       Status:  closed         
 Priority:  normal        |    Milestone:  Awaiting Review
Component:  Plugins       |      Version:  3.0.2          
 Severity:  major         |   Resolution:  invalid        
 Keywords:                |  
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Changes (by markjaquith):

  * status:  new => closed
  * resolution:  => invalid


Comment:

 The purpose is non-commercial and, yes, educational.

 The nature of the copyrighted work is that it is a song, of which the
 lyrics are just one part (I'd argue, the less important and less essential
 part).

 The amount of the portion of the lyrics is, indeed, total. But at a mere
 80 words (disregarding the repeating bits), the lyrics rather defy
 excerption. This is our weakest showing on any factor, but considering the
 length of the lyrics, it's not a blatant failure.

 There is absolutely no effect on the potential market or value of the
 song. Try and imagine a person saying "Well, I don't need to buy the song
 or sheet music for 'Hello Dolly,' because I have a copy of WordPress!" No.

 ----

 Our use passes three of the four determining factors with flying colors.
 It is not unreasonable for us to consider this fair use. If Mr. Herman's
 lawyers disagree, they've remained silent on the matter for quite a long
 time.

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Ticket URL: <http://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/15769#comment:8>
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