This is a question about sheet music copyright. A composer signs an agreement with a music publisher to produce and distribute his work. After many years, sales are very low, but the publishing company still retails the rights. The composer wants to rework the composition to use for another type of sales. Does the composer have any rights to the melody or other aspects of the composition?

Not if he sold it to the company and the company owns the copyright.

The composer would have to review his/her contract with the publisher to check for loopholes.

Also depends on exactly what that agreement granted to the publisher. This does not sound, from what has been said, that it was an outright sale of the work.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ballengerb1

Also depends on exactly what that agreement granted to the publisher. This does not sound, from what has been said, that it was an outright sale of the work.

---

And, if sales have been low, the publisher might be willing to sell the rights back for a nominal fee.