COPYRIGHT - THE FACTS: Your most common questions answered.

  

Q. AS A FITNESS INSTRUCTOR, AM I AFFECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAWS?

A. YES. It comes as a surprise to most of you to discover that you are affected by the laws of copyright, some not even knowing what it is.   Copyright needs to be paid to the artists, writers, publishers and record companies every time a copy of their song is made.  When you buy a CD from us or a record shop the copyright is paid to the artist for that copy.  Therefore unless you have a license to copy that CD and pay a fee to the above people, you are doing something against the law.  Fines and jail sentences can apply to illegal copying of music.

Q. CAN I MAKE COPIES OF MUSIC?

A. NO. Unless you have obtained the appropriate license to copy music and play it, and paid the applicable fee, there is no legal way you can make a copy of your music.  Note that ARIA do not give out licenses to individuals and licenses generally are very difficult to obtain.  You would also need to get a license from AMCOS and each company will charge different amounts ? but for us our copyright costs are just under 29% of gross income.  So as you can see it is costly.

Q. WHAT ABOUT INTERNET DOWNLOADS OF MUSIC?

A. The same issue applies with downloading music from the internet to use it in a class ? you have paid no copyright fees to use this music therefore it is illegal.  So if you think it?s fine to download tracks to put together your own CD for your cycle or circuit classes you are wrong.  It is not legal and if you get caught you can be fined.   Your gym can also be liable so gym management and coordinators should ensure all instructors at their gym are using an original legal CD.

Q. CAN I HAVE MY OWN DJ PUT MY MUSIC TOGETHER?

A. No. It has also come to our attention that some DJ?s are telling instructors that if they have their own blank CD or tape the DJ can put the music on to it and the copyright is included.  DJ?s generally do not have a good knowledge of copyright and this is simply not true.  Again if you purchase 20 CD?s and record them all to another CD to use in a class, this is still not legally accepted.  If you have any doubt, ring ARIA and they will certainly clear it up for you. 

Q. WHY SHOULD I ADHERE TO COPYRIGHT LAWS?

A. As with any law, there are consequences for your action of law-breaking. In the instance of Copyright you can face heavy fines and jail sentences. The consequences aside, as a professional in this industry it is expected that you retain a standard and be an example of obedience to the law. It?s just about doing the correct thing and buying licensed music only. When you buy legal CD?s you are supporting companies that support you and the industry you work in.

For further information and answers please don't hesitate to contact us, we are happy to help.