Page 7 - Katten Kattwalk and Kattison Avenue - Winter 2026 - Issue 5
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by Gus Kahn), and the first
English translation of Just a
Gigolo. “Georgia on My Mind,”
particularly Ray Charles’
version, is famously used in
ESPN’s annual advertising
campaign for the Masters
Tournament.
Finally, a few of the notable
sound recordings that
have lost federal copyright
protection in the United
States include Marian
Anderson’s rendition of
Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve
Seen, Yes Sir, That’s My Baby,
Musical compositions — the musical notes and lyrics recorded by Gene Austin, and Sweet Georgia Brown,
that typically were published as “sheet music” — recorded by Ben Bernie and His Hotel Roosevelt
entered the public domain too. For example, I Got Orchestra.
Rhythm, which previously appeared in advertising, Using public domain works for commercial purposes,
including Toyota’s iconic “Oh! What a feeling” especially creative elements that may be closely
campaign in the 1980s, I’ve Got a Crush on You, But associated with another brand and therefore may
Not for Me, and Embraceable You, all of which were be protected by trademark law, is not an entirely
composed by George Gershwin with lyrics written risk-free proposition. But with careful vetting and
by his brother, Ira, are now freely usable. So are a thoughtful intellectual property risk assessment,
Georgia on My Mind (music by Hoagy Carmichael, such works can become a treasure chest of creative
lyrics by Stuart Gorrell), Dream a Little Dream of Me advertising opportunities.
(music by Fabian Andre and Wilbur Schwandt, lyrics
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