If you have/had music on the popular mp3 website, then you would already know about this - if not you might interested to find out their newly adopted ruling on uploading your mp3's.

The mp3 format is challenging many legal issues for audio copyright and this is just the next round in an escalating bout of big record companies vs. Independent artist. The mp3 site has, up until now, had quite an open policy for mp3 uploads, but this is new news for many. The following mail is from Michelle Riley, Director Music Relations mp3

to all mp3 website uploaders. Read on...

Hi everyone,This is a follow-up to Mondays email. Don't worry, it isn't going to become a habit, and no, I'm not spamming you ; )Here are the rules according to our legal staff with regards to samples and covers:Samples-No samples of any type, including spoken word, television, movie, musical compostion, lyrical, etc. of ANY OTHER INDIVIDUALS work will be allowed. Whether or not the sample is able to be recognized easily is also not a factor.I did receive an email from one artist asking if you are allowed to do remixes of your own songs. Can we all just take some time to think before we email  me with questions? Why can't you upload samples/remixes of others' work? Because it doesn't belong to you.Covers-No Covers. Period.I hope this has helped to clear the confusion up. If you see an artist that has sampled music up you might want to email them as well as myself. I will be auditing the site this weekend and any artists that are not in compliance will be removed.

Regards,Michelle Riley               619 405-3183

Director Music Relations  &√Ǭ£45;- MP3.com