Nintendo is responsible for creating memorable video game music and is copyrighted. You must obtain permission from the owner if you intend to use it.
This article answers most of your questions. Just a quick disclaimer that we are not lawyers and this is not legal advice.
Contents
What is Copyright?
Copyright law protects original works like music from being copied or used without permission. Creators get exclusive control over how their work is used and shared.
Does that mean that all of Nintendo’s music is copyrighted?
Nintendo holds a copyright on most of its music. You need permission from the company to use or distribute it.
Can we still use Nintendo music?
You can still enjoy or use Nintendo’s music. Often, copyright holders permit others to use their work under the “fair use” exception.
How do we use the “Fair Use Policy”?
You can use a copyrighted song for educational purposes, criticism, commentary, or news reporting. Journalists and reviewers can use excerpts of copyrighted material without permission but must include a “fair use disclaimer” in their content.
What to avoid when using Nintendo’s music?
Don’t use a copyrighted song in your YouTube video without the copyright holder’s permission as it may lead to infringement. This applies to remixes or covers of Nintendo songs too.
What happens if I use Nintendo’s music without permission?
You could be infringing on their copyright. Recently, some YouTube streamers received copyright claims for using Nintendo music in their streams. This forced them to delete their videos or risk having their accounts suspended.
