[eu-gene] Psst...Wanna Buy an Algorithm? (Working Title)

[David Hart]

> The score is written, so it has a fixed form. It can therefore be
> copyrighted.

Just as generative music code (i.e. the score) is written, and is
fixed in form in exactly the same way, no?  Seems like it has to be
fixed form before it can execute... The code (score) can be
copyrighted, and usually is I believe, at least in the US, just by
being typed.

This isn't what Paul's abstract said though.  He claimed, without
supporting evidence, that performances of generative music are
copyright free.  In the US, this isn't true.  Writing the code
originally created something that is copyrighted.  Each *authorized*
performance of it creates something that is copyright-able, even if
the performance lasts for a long time, and is copyrighted
automatically when recorded.  I don't see where there's any issue with
the author not being "remunerated each time music generated by his or
her algorithm is performed in public.", that's strictly up to the
author and they are free to collect fees in exactly the same way any
composer collects fees for performances of their work.

A much more interesting discussion to me would be how to make
generative music good enough that a lot of people would pay money to
hear it... ;)


> Are the sounds that are played covered by that copyright?

Um, I don't think so.

But whether you're allowed to play or record those sounds yourself is
covered by that copyright.

When you record it, there is automatically a separate copyright of a
performance of that work.  There currently are copyrighted recordings
available of public domain music, and conversely public domain
recordings available of copyrighted music, right?

--
david.