(CBS Primetime, 1963 - 1966)
[In Feb., 1964, the "Martian Song" from "My Favorite Martian" was
registered for copyright. Although it doesn't specifically say it is the THEME
of the TV series, there was no other similar piece written by known composer
George Greeley with "Martian" in the title. And it is an instrumental as the
theme on the air was.
However this piece was apparently never renewed within the 28 year limit --
which would have been by Feb., 1992.
Then in September, 1993 a very explicit registration was filed, crediting
George Greeley as the composer, titled "My Favorite Martian: Theme". This
registration WAS NOT A RENEWAL. It was a brand new registration listing
1963 as the "Date of Creation". This registration contains no reference
to the previous title of "Martian Song, The".
So if these two pieces are the same melody, it appears the piece was out of
copyright between Feb., 1992 and September, 1993. It is not clear of this
way of extending copyright protection -- following a gap in coverage -- is
strictly kosher...but that's what happened.
ASCAP title variation...
aka: "My Favorite Martian (Main and End)"]
Composer: George Henry Greeley (ASCAP)
Original Publisher: Jack Chertok Television, Inc. (ASCAP).
1978 Publisher: [not found in ASCAP Performance Index, 1978]
2000 Publisher: Jack Chertok Television, Inc. (ASCAP),
of Santa Monica, CA
Composition Date: 1963
[Registered as "The Martian Song"]:
Copyright Date: Feb. 3, 1964; EU 809 377.
Renewal Date: [none found]
[Registered as "My Favorite Martian: Theme"]:
Copyright Date: Sep. 7, 1993; PAu-1-802-890.
Renewal Date:
Recordings: