Hello!

Would anyone know if it is illegal to print a paragraph or phrase or chorus of one of Bob Marley's songs onto a shirt to sell for retail?

Thanks,
sky68

I believe it's illegal, unless it's a normal everyday saying. You have to get permission from the record company to put any type of lyrics you don't hear people say all the time.

Yes, ANY use of copyrighted material for monetary gain has to have the permission of the copyright holder. If you made ONE shirt for your own use, that would probably be allowable. But as soon as you try to make money off someone else's copyrighted intellectual property, you run afoul of copyright law.

Of course I agree that using copyrighted material is wrong, but this case may not be so cut and dried. It would depend on how far you went with it.

Surely there's no copyright on the word "Jammin". Yes, that's an extreme example, but I bet you see what I mean.

Also, paraphrasing would no doubt make a big difference, too.

What paraphrasing or line are you looking at using?

Actually there may be a copyright on that word. But you have a valid point. However, the OP referred to a "paragraph or phrase". The impression is something easily identifiable as Marley's work.

This is a tough call, that's for sure. Is a phrase 2 words? Three? Four? At what point are portions of a song copyrighted.

For a business venture like this, I would think it well worth it to pay for an hour of an attorney's time to get clear direction on it.

If your intention is that it be recognised as Marley's lyrics, then you would be better off to secure the copyright holders permission. They may grant it with a licensing fee that you pay for the priviledged use of it.

Aloha and Mahalo,

AjuMatt, ScottGem, rickj and Val for helping with my question... I will begin researching who has rights to Marley's lyrics... I had a feeling it would be illegal... his lyrics is pretty original... thanks again...

Till Next Time,
sky68

Jah, Rastafari! :cool:

Aloha and Mahalo,

AjuMatt, ScottGem, rickj and Val for helping with my question...I will begin researching who has rights to Marley's lyrics...I had a feeling it would be illegal...his lyrics is pretty original...thanks again...

Till Next Time,
sky68

I think I recall reading somewhere that his son has the rights. You could also try contacting his record label. They may grant you permission for a share of the proceeds ($x per shirt) without any upfront money.

Side note: That would be Ziggy Marley. I've seen him in concert several times. Pretty good!