After some research I can definitely say that chord progressions can not be copyrighted themselves. Hence a chord lead sheet with only the chords (like the one herein) would not be a copyright infringement. However, melodies and lyrics are copyrighted. So if you'd include lyrics this would be bad.

I'm still not sure about more sophisticated arrangements like Paul's stride version of Ain't Misbehavin' featured in another episode which definitely includes a melody. Anyway, I've decided to take the chance and keep it in the forum. Still - no chance to upload MP3s and lyrics as those would be far to obvious.

Here in the US, the general rule is, you can copyright melodies and lyrics, but not chord progressions and rhythm patterns. Of course, there are exceptions, and different countries may look at these rules a little differently. There has been some international standardization of copyright, but still differences exist.

Thanks Joe, I seem to remember a court case that may have established precedent along those lines. The chords were identical but the melody and lyrics were different.

I'm glad we are able to share chord progressions. I sure don't want to ruin anything for everyone. Too bad on the arrangement however it would be nice to share original jazz creations. There are options for doing that using other servers of course. Good discussion.

Indeed, good discussion. Thanks for all the replies! We still have to remember that the server and I live in Germany, so German law applies. Additionally the laws of the country of the offender (read: the one posting the offending piece) apply. Finally the laws of the country the person whose copyright is offended lives in apply. <yoda>Very complicated everything is...</yoda>