Just got sent this via email: “Mumford & Sons Warn Against ‘Unauthorized Lending’ of Their CD”
…it seems like Mumford & Sons really want people to hear their super-earnest brand of roots rock. They just don’t want anyone to loan their record to you.
Hidden in the fine print on the back of Babel is an odd provision that clearly states: “The copyright in this sound recording and artwork is owned by Mumford & Sons. Warning: all rights reserved. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, hiring, lending, public performance and broadcasting prohibited.” Most of that all seems legit, but “lending”? Since when can’t people let friends borrow their records?
I’ve heard some people enthuse about this band, and was thinking of picking up Babel if the Amazon
I notice that they’re response to the inquiry was “Let us talk to our lawyer and ask him” then never getting back to the reporter. Possible foray into jerk territory but I’d wait and see.
If their lawyer is worth his salt, he’d tell them that they’re stupidly trying to infringe on the doctrine of first sale and to knock it off already:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-sale_doctrine