I would like to create a music website, and would like to know if it is legal to host short samples (less than 30 seconds) of copyrighted music? Just like Amazon does, for every CD they have samples for all tracks on that CD which are free to hear.
I think you should not have problems with that. There is no 30 sec rule or law... i think "fair use" applies here.
Not legal. Even 30sec previews are under copyright law. Sure it’s not the same deduction but still it’s under protection.
I think JohnZing is right. Fair use sounds right. Just like DJ's can use portions of copyrighted music. But... it's always better to be safe than sorry. Maybe call a copyright lawyer and ask. I'm sure they wouldn't mind that one simple question.
Being under non disclosure agreement can’t put exact numbers here. In fact big labels impose duties even on pay per preview (any fragmented track) basis.
Go to this page for some information : http://www.ascap.com/weblicense/ We realize that as technology changes and users’ expectations of on-line music grow, ASCAP must continue to be a leader in Internet licensing. Accordingly, we are pleased to announce two new versions of our widely used Internet license agreements: "Non-Interactive 5.0" for non-interactive sites and services; and "Interactive 2.0" for interactive sites and services. A third new agreement, designed for "Wireless Music" (e.g., "ringtones" and "ringbacks"), is available on the Wireless Music page.