Public Domain

Definition

• This term refers to works which have expired or non-existing copyrights. Essentially, this means that people can do what they want with the work without permission, and without breaking any laws.

Which Hymns Are Public Domain?

(This does not refer to hymnals - but to hymns alone.)

• Generally, a hymn is in the public domain if it was published on or before 1922.
• If it was published before 1 January 1978 without a legal copyright notice, it is also considered public domain.
  • Note that contributions to collective works need not have the notice to retain the copyright if the collection itself has the copyright notice.
    • Note also that future editions of compilations need not have the same copyright tag; read the linked article above. So, this is really only useful for first editions, unless you're an expert on all the editions before the one at hand.
• Items published after 1 March 1989 do not need this notice to retain a copyright.
• Items published between 1 January 1978 and 1 March 1989 without the notice may or may not have had their copyrights restored (depending on whether the omission was fixed). Be 100% sure you have the rights to do so before posting anything.
• Any modern hymn specifically placed into the public domain by the copyright holder (i.e. if the copyright holder gives the public permission to do whatever they want with the hymn, indefinitely, without restrictions).

WARNING

• Be extremely careful with anything published after 1922. Some hymnals have altered public domain hymns without mentioning that they've been altered, and thus, they may own some rights to them. Ask for permission unless you are entirely certain every part of it is public domain.

Safe Guidelines Checklist

• Published on or before 1922 and you know the publication (in fact, it's best if you have the publication).
• You Have permission to post it on HymnWiki from the copyright holder (and you state that you have permission on HymnWiki; make sure to find out what the owner is willing to let the public do with the piece).
• It's a traditional song (even then you should get a publication source).

What is an official copyright notice?

• First note that these are not required on modern works for the copyright to be retained, though this is still required for several works published before 1 March 1989 (and it seems all sheet music published before 1 January 1978).

The appropriate symbol, word or abbreviation along with the year of first publication and the name of the owner of the copyright (this name may be an abbreviation or an alternate designation of the owner).

• this symbol: ©
• this word: Copyright
• this abbreviation of the above word: Copr.

Examples:

• © 1955 Johnathan Smith
• Copyright 1955 John Smith
• Copr. 1955 J. H. Smith
• Apparently (C) is not a legal notice.

HymnWiki Notes

• Unless otherwise noted, content labeled public domain on this website only refers to public domain content in the United States. Works in other countries may have different copyright laws.