Let me pose a question (and it’s one that is absolutely core to Lessig’s book “Free Culture” ).  If I’m familiar with, for example, Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” and choose to create a derivative work, no-one complains.  In fact I’m probably applauded for my ingenuity.

However, if I ‘sample’ a song and use it as part of another, I’m basically screwed.  For a classic example of this, read the amazing story of the song “Bitter Sweet Symphony” originally written by The Verve’s vocalist Richard Ashcroft, but now attributed to Mick Jagger & Keith Richards.

If the Autodesk vs. Vernor ruling stands after appeal, this craziness will never happen again, as any purchaser of any music will have unfettered access to the material.

Let’s all sing together… “…this will be the last time…”