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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
Tiger, I appreciate you taking the time to post your thoughts on this important issue. Personally I would make rather listen to someone who speaks English rather than an attorney who speaks legalese. Your answer is much more practical. I would also add that there is a huge difference between practical real world advice and theoretical "what could happen if' advice you get from an attorney. I've seen people waste so much money on attorneys needlessly, typically motivated by fear. A couple problems: 1. Much of Tiger's information is wrong. FYI, I was also told by Ember at PG Music that there is no copyright issue. So just because it's not clearly mentioned in the licensing agreement, that fact that multiple employees over probably a long period of time are making this claim does weigh in on this importantly. PG music will ultimately be the one to be sued more likely, than any individual making music. 2. That's not quite right either — as you were informed in the other thread. When you are told something, it's a good idea not to make things up. You are not, however, permitted to claim the demo songs in your copyright. Band-in-a-Box (BIAB) demo songs are copyrighted by PG Music Inc., meaning you cannot claim copyright to them or use them commercially without permission.
Copyright Ownership:
PG Music Inc. owns the copyright to the demo songs and RealTracks/RealStyles within Band-in-a-Box.
No Permission to Claim Copyright:
You cannot claim copyright to the demo songs, even if you've used them as a starting point for your own compositions.
Commercial Use Restrictions:
Using the demo songs commercially (e.g., selling them, using them in a commercial project) without permission from PG Music Inc. is a copyright violation.
Copyright Protection:
Even unreleased music is protected by copyright.
Seeking Permission:
If you wish to use a demo song or RealTracks/RealStyles in a commercial context, you must obtain permission from PG Music Inc. As cool as many of them are, those cannot be registered by you.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Songwriting
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Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,591 |
I don't know if this is a valid workaround, but when I have been faced with a similar dilemma, I've used the track as create in BB, taken credit, and assigned it Creative Commons Fair Use (Give credit.) A good studio musician can mimic the Real Track in such as way as to legitimize claim to originality.
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Songwriting
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624 |
I hope I'm stating the obvious here, but I suspect not and I think there may be some misunderstanding and consequential confusion, so...
Songs created by you using BiaB RealTracks, RealDrums and/or MIDI are your creations and may be copyrighted and released by you.
The Demo Songs that PG Music use to give an example of how the RealTracks and RealDrums may sound when in use, were created by and are copyright of PG Music. You may not release them as your own work, even in modified form.
I believe the musicians that play the content of RealTracks and ReadDrums sign away their copyright of the samples expressly so that PG Music customers will be able to use them as above. If they didn't or wouldn't, PGM's business model would be very different.
PGM also expressly ask that you do not credit those musicians on your work. That feels odd, but I think there are several good reasons for it.
Mike, I you believe I'm mistaken, I'm sure you'll say.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Songwriting
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
It is always advisable to seek the advice of a lawyer who deals with the music industry to answer any type of legal questions.
Having said that, myself and thousands of other people have published songs that were created using BIAB software. As far as I know there have been no lawsuits as a result of those actions.
The issues of copyright are about as complex as it gets and no forum has the expertise to guarantee all your questions will be answered correctly.
As with most things, nothing normally happens unless there is money involved. Make a song with BIAB that generates millions in revenue and things could get pretty complicated.
Billy THIS! This right there is your answer. Full stop. My practical advice is just do your thing and enjoy yourself! Statistically speaking, you are unlikely to ever generate enough money with your songs to get the attention of corporations and their lawyers. If you happen to get lucky enough to generate big money you can then afford lawyers to help you figure out how to hang onto it!
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Songwriting
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
I don't know if this is a valid workaround, but when I have been faced with a similar dilemma, I've used the track as create in BB, taken credit, and assigned it Creative Commons Fair Use (Give credit.) ... Those tracks belong to someone else; you cannot assign rights to anyone. Using tracks as a starting point and modifying them in BIAB is not the same—it's what we are expected to do—but using them as-is requires written permission as I have already quoted. A good studio musician can mimic the Real Track in such as way as to legitimize claim to originality. That's not the same as using the tracks as-is. Once again: If you wish to use a demo song or RealTracks/RealStyles in a commercial context, you must obtain permission from PG Music Inc. Their words, not mine. Let's be clear, I will point to or quote licenses or US Copyright law, sometimes the Berne Convention. I never, ever, ever give my opinion in threads like these—same with my clients. "I believe..., I think..., IMO..." Nope, I don't go there. Neither will I post what I do or or don't agree with. If you need a legal opinion, get an IP attorney. I advise my clients to do the same. I worked in Licensing in Silicon Valley for many years and am retired from the legal dept. of a billion$ music entity; occasionally work for another. Most of my private practice consists of answering questions along the lines of, "Can we do…?" Yes, here's the clause in (this license) that gives you permission; here's the form you have to file to report it or No, you need this license; I'll make the call for you. Most of the rest is fighting takedown notices by stating that (…) was written in 1644 with words by (someone who died in) 1890 and the song is in the Public Domain — that or, attached is the sync license from (actual publisher) granting permissions (I probably negotiated it). If it comes to a fight and I have to write, "The reason I believe..." I have to stop. Attorneys get to have beliefs and opinions on legal matters, not I.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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