Copyright Infringement - CCLI solution

JR Lee provides a concise discussion of the key issues relating to copyright protection and infringement in our new digital world. I am glad that he recognizes copyright infringement as wrong though confusing to recognize. He introduces me to a new concept: contributory infringement, which is the aiding of direct infringement by supplying the means to violate copyright to a third party. More plainly, Napster is a contributory agent whereas the consumer is the direct infringer.

JR lists three solutions, all very sensible. CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) has engaged these techniques in its business. It has informed customers, created a business model, and still promotes the development of creative work.

I first learned about CCLI when I attended a workshop on contemporary worship given by Mike Slaughter of Ginghamsburg Church (http://www.ginghamsburg.org). For those uninitiated to the contemporary worship movement, it involves the use of contemporary elements, metaphors, and music in worship services. Many churches will use video clips of TV shows or movies to introduce a topic or illuminate a point. Most will use contemporary Christian music, which requires payment of royalties because, unlike the hymn writers, these contemporary artists aren’t dead.

CCLI has developed a system that enables churches to pay a fee and then, on the honor system, document what songs they have used in the past year or however long the license term is. In turn, CCLI pays the artists. The royalty process can be found here: http://www.ccli.com/CCLI/RoyaltyProcess.cfm

Lest anyone thinks that Christians would be less likely to violate copyright law, check out this survey: http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=162.