Can I get sued for starting a store that sells lyric quoted products?

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Can I get sued for starting a store that sells lyric quoted products?

I am about to launch my store officially but just yesterday I happened to see

articles about song lyric copyrights. Now I am in doubt about launching it. Is

there a way I can get away with fines Since I still want to launch it to repay the hardwork I’ve poured in to it.

Asked on September 29, 2018 under Business Law, Alaska

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 5 years ago | Contributor

If you put copyrighted materials--i.e. lyrics--on products without getting the copyright owner's permission (which generally means paying a licensing fee), the owner can sue you. They can sue you for *all* profits you made and sometimes additional or enhanced "damages" as well (including, e.g. attorney's fees) and also for a court order barring you from selling the items and requiring destruction of your inventory. There is no way to get away with just "fines." What you can do is license the lyrics you want to use from the rights holders.


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