Music is a business’s most powerful tool to attract customers, inspire employees, and build brand loyalty. However, using a theme legally can be a complex and daunting process.

Almost all the music you hear and use is copyrighted, which means that one or more parties own the rights to it. Using it without paying the rightsholders can lead to serious legal problems.

Reproduction and Distribution Licenses

Whether you are planning on releasing a new song, writing your music, or making money by monetizing your YouTube videos, understanding the basics of music licensing is essential. Licenses permit other parties to use your music in a specific way, such as by synchronizing it with video content, streaming it on a digital service provider, or putting your songs on an LP.

The primary type of license for business is the mechanical license, which is a general agreement between a music licensee and the composer or songwriter that authorizes the recording and distribution of a composition. This is most commonly needed for music tracks recorded on CDs, vinyl, or cassettes.

Another type of license for music licensees is the print rights license, which gives the right to reproduce and distribute a song’s lyrics or composition sheet. This is typically needed when you want to include the lyrics of a song on the back covers of your music CD or in the subtitles of a YouTube video.

A final license type is a theatrical license, a particular form of written permission used in the theater industry. This license is required whenever a copyrighted work is performed on-stage in front of an audience.

Flat Fees

Getting music licensing for your business is one of the best ways to promote your brand. It also helps you build a strong connection with your customers and keep them returning repeatedly.

The first step to getting your music licensed is identifying what rights you need to cover. This will determine which type of license you need and what the cost will be.

Another critical factor is whether you need category exclusivity, which means no other businesses in your product category can use the same music. This may make it more expensive to get a license, but it can help you to increase your income.

A good option for many small businesses is a blanket license from an organization. These companies generally charge a flat fee once per year instead of tracking and paying a fee each time a song is played.

Public Performance Licenses

Suppose you own or operate a business such as a restaurant, hotel, gym, streaming platform, or another public place where music may be performed. In that case, you have a responsibility under the U.S. Copyright Law to obtain prior authorization from copyright owners before playing their songs. This responsibility is a legal obligation that Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) help businesses comply with.

PROs represent various copyright owners in the music industry and collect license fees from establishments for the right to play their compositions. They also distribute royalties to the artists whose works are licensed through them.

Typically, the PROs charge an annual fee per venue. This fee can vary widely based on business type, venue capacity, and how frequently the music is played.

The PROs also provide blanket licenses that grant authorized performances of all the songs in their catalogs. This is called a public performance license and makes obtaining prior permission from copyright owners incredibly easy for business owners.

Broadcasting Licenses

Broadcasting refers to playing music and programming in a setting where many people are expected. This includes radio and television, but also podcasts and internet streaming.

A broadcast license is an authorization that allows radio and television stations to use specific frequencies. Licensed stations must renew their license within a statutory period to keep access to their frequency. The FCC may also revoke consent before the expiration date.

Different broadcasting licenses are available, ranging from blanket licenses covering nearly all songs in a specific artist’s repertoire to special permits for educational and non-profit stations. Depending on the situation, licensing bodies will also offer alternative arrangements, such as an “all-talk” amendment for television or radio stations that feature only news and sports programs or a lower fee for those that use music only occasionally.

While the terms of these licenses are confidential, a station must maintain certain records and report them regularly. The agreements and rights contain important confidentiality provisions and reporting obligations, so it is best to read them carefully before obtaining coverage.

Royalties

Royalties are a form of income that music creators and rights holders are paid for when their works are used. They are generated in various ways; each type is different, so understanding the basics is essential.

Firstly, copyright laws protect the work of artists and other creative types from being reproduced or distributed without permission. This is why securing your copyright before releasing your work is essential.

Then, once you’ve secured your copyright, several steps are involved in getting paid your royalties. First, you must register your copyright.

You must also sign your music to a copyright management company. These organizations will help to negotiate and manage your royalties for you.

Next, people will pay you a performance royalty when your music is used in a public performance. This includes local radio stations, live performances, and online streaming services like Spotify. In addition, neighboring royalties may be generated if your song is used in an advert or other media where someone else has the copyright.