If you put live or recorded music on the web, make sure to get permission for any songs
you did not write, recordings made by other people, and lyrics you show. You may
need a combination of Mechanical, Master, Synchronization, Public Performance,
and Print rights, depending on how you use the music. Licenses should be secured
before you distribute. Reputable online stores require Proof of Licensing
before they will publish your album. Reputable web sites will remove videos with
unlicensed copyrighted material. You do not need to license songs that you wrote
yourself or songs that you know are in the
Public Domain.
We can help you get Mechanical Licenses for
Digital Downloads. Synchronization, Master and Print licenses
are custom-negotiated upfront with the copyright holder. We do not offer
custom-negotiated licenses at this time. For further assistance, contact
CopyCatLicensing.com.
Artists often do not need to secure Public Performance Rights for streaming web
radio because they are covered by the station. However, if you plan to stream on
your own web site, you need to obtain rights.
Radio
station operators and web site administrators also need to secure permission. Expect to report your playlists and
pay a
percentage of your revenues to three agencies that distribute the royalties to the
composers.
In the United States, all Public Performance Rights are handled by three
agencies. If you are unsure whether you need Public Performance Rights, you
should contact these agencies.
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Mechanical License
If you distribute a permanent digital download (MP3) recording, or an
on-demand stream of a song that someone else wrote.
Master License
If you distribute a permanent digital download (MP3) recording,
or a video that has an existing recording that someone else
made.
Synchronization License
If you will post a video that has a song that someone else wrote, even if you are the one
playing the music.
Public Performance Rights
If you perform music live or stream recorded songs.
Print Rights
If you plan to display lyrics or the music notes of a song in
your video, web page, or digital booklet.
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