Copyright Information

Copyright Status Overview

The hymnal collections available on Advent Hymnals represent works published between 1838 and 2000, with varying copyright statuses based on publication date, renewal status, and applicable copyright law.

Public Domain Works

Many of the hymnal collections in our archive are in the public domain due to:

• Publication before 1928 (automatically in public domain in the US)
• Failure to renew copyright during the renewal period
• Publication by government entities or certain organizations
• Explicit dedication to public domain by copyright holders

Collections Likely in Public Domain

• Hymns for the Poor of the Flock (1838)
• Millenial Harp (1843)
• Hymns and Tunes (1869, 1876, 1886)
• Church Hymnal (1941) - may require verification

Protected Works

Some collections may still be under copyright protection:

• Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal (1985)
• Christ in Song (1900s editions)
• More recent language translations

Fair Use Considerations

For works that may still be under copyright, our use is justified under fair use provisions (17 U.S.C. § 107) for the following reasons:

Purpose and Character

• Educational and research purposes
• Historical preservation and archival
• Non-commercial academic use
• Transformative digital presentation for study

Nature of the Work

• Published works of religious and cultural significance
• Historical documents of public interest
• Works intended for widespread community use

Amount Used

• Complete works necessary for historical and educational context
• No alternative means to achieve educational goals
• Usage proportionate to educational purpose

Market Impact

• No commercial competition with current publications
• Educational use that may increase interest in original works
• Preservation of historical materials that might otherwise be lost

Permissions and Rights

Where possible, we have sought permissions from relevant organizations and copyright holders. We continue to work with institutions to clarify rights and ensure appropriate use.

User Responsibilities

Users of this website should be aware of their responsibilities:

• Respect applicable copyright laws in your jurisdiction
• Use materials for educational, research, or worship purposes
• Seek permission for any commercial use
• Provide appropriate attribution when using materials

Copyright Notices

Individual hymns and collections may contain specific copyright notices. These notices are preserved in our digital presentations and should be respected by users.

Removal Requests

If you believe any content on this website infringes upon your copyright, please contact us immediately with:

• Specific identification of the copyrighted work
• Proof of copyright ownership
• Contact information
• Good faith statement of infringement belief

Digital Millennium Copyright Act

We comply with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and will respond promptly to valid takedown notices. Our designated copyright agent can be contacted at: copyright@adventhymnals.com