Public Domain Christmas Songs - CCS Fact Sheet

Songs that are in the public domain essentially have no owner. You can do anything you want with them without the need to obtain permissions, pay royalties, or credit the original author.

This does not apply to copyrighted arrangements of a song in the public domain. If a song is in the pubic domain, you can make any changes you want to it, including changing lyrics, or adding a verse or chorus. You can also set new music to existing public domain lyrics or text. A great example of adapting or modifying a public domain song, is Chris Tomlin's contemporary adaptation of "Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)."

If you have created an adaptation from a public domain song, it's easy to protect and register your new copyrighted work through the CopyrightSolver's PERMISSIONSplus online copyright service.

CCS is a leading authority on church music copyrights, providing simple music licensing solutions and clear educational resources. CCS is the only Christian company to partner with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC to offer one-stop performance licenses that allow religious organizations to legally play, perform and stream over 17 million songs. They also serve as an advocate for copyright owners, offering full service administration to promote, protect and collect royalties for music. – See more at: http://www.christiancopyrightsolutions.com