Copied Songs
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Question
I wanted to ask what Rabbi Fried's opinion is regarding the copying of songs. Because I have seen several opinions on the matter: A) I heard from several rabbinic authorities that it is considered as something lost that the owners cannot retrieve, called 'zuto shel yam', and it is abandoned to all. B) Some believe it is considered 'aveda mi-da'at', as every publisher knows they will be copied. Is it only forbidden initially? C) If someone has already copied songs from the internet, is there permission to copy from them? D) What is the ruling post-factum when a person has already downloaded songs from the internet, are they obligated to pay the song owner?
Answer
Shalom and blessings
A-C) According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi Ovadia Fried, shlita, there is no permission to copy songs unless they were published for free with the owners' consent. It is not considered 'zuto shel yam' nor 'aveda mi-da'at'. There is also no permission to copy from someone who has already copied.
D) There is no obligation to pay for a copied song, but it should be deleted.