How to Avoid 3rd Party Copyright Infringements on my Account?
How to Avoid 3rd Party Copyright Infringements on my Account?
EXAMPLES OF VERSIONS THAT NEED TO BE LICENSED:
- Sped-up/slowed-down versions
- Reverbed, lofi and distorted versions
- TikTok versions
- Mashup versions
- Remix, edit, or any kind of version that is different from the original one
- Cover versions (unless they are only distributed to Apple & Spotify and exclusively for the US — this case is now covered by the MLC’s mandate
WHAT LICENSE IS NEEDED TO DISTRIBUTE 3RD PARTY MATERIAL?
When you create a version of someone else’s song, they need to have the following licenses from its owners/exclusive licensors:
- Master recording license (if any part of the original recording is used — regardless of duration)
- Publishing license for the use of the lyrics/composition (such as in a cover version)
- Mechanical license for the right to duplicate the song (for streaming and downloads)
- Note: in many cases, the record label that owns the original song is able to cover all the above licenses.
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR DISTRIBUTING UNLICENSED CONTENT:
- Prevention of payment by DSPs for infringing content
- Disabled distribution for you and end users
- Takedown of infringing content by Revelator/DSPs
- Termination of the client’s and/ or their end user’s account