Permission to an image of a Record Label & Cover Sleeve

[tingab18@gmail.com]

Hello
I would like to take a photograph of a record label (the actual label in the middle of a vinyl record that I own) and then use that image within a printed
design I am creating.
As this particular record label I want to use was big during the 1960's the image will be part of a historic composition giving a flavour of the music during that period.
I would like to do the same with a record sleeve.
The final designs will be used commercially on t-shirts and posters.
Many thanks as always for your advice.
Tania

[AndyJ]

Hi Tania,

Photographing the label on the actual disk shouldn't be a problem as it won't be an artistic work, and the information contained in the label is purely factual, so not subject to copyright.

However if the sleeve has anything on it which could be described as artistic (artwork or photographs for instance) then copyright will apply and you will probably need permission to reproduce this. Get permission from the record company.