About Standard MIDI Files (SMF) Specification
The Standard MIDI Files (SMF) Specification is published in the Complete MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specification document.
The following enhancements and updates have also been adopted:
- Standard MIDI File Device/Program Specification (Jun '99)
- Standard MIDI File Language and Display Extensions (Jun '99)
- Standard MIDI File (SMF) Lyrics Specification (Jan '98)
Unlike a CD or Cassette recording, a Standard MIDI File does not contain sounds, but it does contain a 'fixation of the performance" representing a "musical work", and therefore an SMF may be used to register a musical work with the US Copyright Office.
The US Copyright Office has also stated that an SMF on a computer disc is also subject to the same licensing laws that apply to CDs and Cassettes (mechanical licensing).
- Press Release: USCO Equates MIDI Files with Audio CDs and Cassettes (Jan '96)
- Standard MIDI File Copyright & Licensing Report (Jan '97)