Copyright in music: the basics
Lawdit Music Blog
by Sena Tokel
1M ago
There are a number of different types of copyright which are present in many different kinds of work. These works include but are not limited to: paintings, computer programmes, artistic works, books, plays and music. Copyright is involved in music in a variety of ways. For instance, a song’s sound recording may contain copyright, as may its lyrics, and the way its musical notes are arranged may also be protected and subject to copyright. The different types of copyright found in music are defined as the following: A “literary work” is defined under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 19 ..read more
Visit website
Mechanical licenses: what are they?
Lawdit Music Blog
by Sena Tokel
1M ago
A Mechanical licenses in music refers to an agreement between a music producer and the copyright owner of a song that grants companies or individuals permission to reproduce and distribute copyrighted musical compositions, such as CDs or vinyl records, or to make digital reproductions, such as downloads or streaming. The primary purpose of a mechanical license is to ensure that songwriters and music publishers receive fair compensation (by way of royalties) for the use of their compositions. When obtaining a mechanical license, the licensee is typically required to pay royalties to the copyrig ..read more
Visit website
Copyright license agreements: what are they and what to look out for
Lawdit Music Blog
by Sena Tokel
3M ago
A copyright license is a voluntary legal agreement which grants a business or individual (the ‘licensee’) the permission to use someone’s copyright works (the ‘licensor’). The agreement will outline the specific rights and limitations that the licensee is granted by the licensor. Typically, a copyright license will define the way in which the copyrighted works can be used, such as reproducing, distributing, displaying, performing, or creating derivative works based on the original material. A copyright license agreement is a legal agreement that should be carefully considered prior to signing ..read more
Visit website
Assigning copyrights in music
Lawdit Music Blog
by Sena Tokel
3M ago
Whilst a copyright does not need to be registered in the UK, creatives such as composers, writers and artists can in some instances assign the copyrights in their works to publishers. The assignment/ transfer of copyrighted works can be carried out by way of an agreement known as a ‘copyright assignment’. A copyright assignment is a voluntary agreement between the individual assigning the copyright owner (a.k.a the ‘assignor’) and the individual receiving the transfer of the copyrighted works (a.k.a the ‘assignee’). Typically, a copyright assignment will be a written agreement that will includ ..read more
Visit website
Tupac Shakur faces copyright infringement suit over platinum track ‘Dear Mama’
Lawdit Music Blog
by Sena Tokel
3M ago
Credited co-producer of the American rapper’s platinum hit ‘Dear Mama’ Master Tee has filed a claim against Universal Music Group and producer Tony D. Pizarro over the alleged withholding of publishing royalties. In the suit filed on 18 November 2023 with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, Master Tee claims that D Pizarro, with the assistance of Universal Music Group, intentionally ‘concealed’ Master Tee’s contribution to creating the track. The suit which was filed 28 years after the hit tracks release, also names the likes of Hulu, Fox Entertainment and The Walt Dis ..read more
Visit website
Publishing agreements: what to look out for
Lawdit Music Blog
by Sena Tokel
3M ago
A publishing agreement is a legal contract between a publishing company and an author or creator. Publishing agreements outline the terms in which the publishing company will have the rights to sell, publish and distribute the author/ creator’s works. It is important to review a publishing agreement prior to taking the plunge. Below is a list of the key pointers to consider when reviewing a publishing agreement: 1. Rights: first and foremost, it is important that you have an understanding of the kind of rights that the publisher is acquiring under the agreement – these rights can include but a ..read more
Visit website
Early termination of music management contracts
Lawdit Music Blog
by Sena Tokel
3M ago
If you have signed onto a music management agreement that you are no longer happy with and you wish to terminate the agreement before its expiry date, there are some fundamental things you must first consider before taking the plunge. 1. Review the contract:  Ensure you have an in-depth understanding of the agreement before heading for the exit. Carefully read through the terms and conditions of the contract to understand the rights and obligations of both parties and pay particular attention to any termination clauses. 2. Seek legal advice: Consult with an experienced legal professional ..read more
Visit website
Copyright infringement disputes in music
Lawdit Music Blog
by Sena Tokel
3M ago
Disputes in respect of copyright infringement can arise when rights holders (usually the artist) believes someone else has copied their works. This articles sets out an overview of the copyright infringement process: 1. Identification This is where the copyright owner, often a composer, songwriter or publisher identifies that their copyright works have been used by another individual or business without their prior consent. Infringement of such works can be carried out in a number of ways which include, but are not limited to use of copyrighted works for mixing songs and copy lyrics. Identifi ..read more
Visit website
How are royalties paid?
Lawdit Music Blog
by Sena Tokel
3M ago
Royalties are payments that are made to a rights holder in exchange for the use of their intellectual property. Payments of royalties to the rights holder, such as an artist, composer of author, are made by business entities (or individuals) who use the works of the right holder for various purposes. These purposes can include but are not limited to, publishing a book or using a copyrighted song in a film. There are several different methods in which royalties are paid, an few of which are listed below: Agreement and licensing: prior to royalties being paid, there are usually agreements in pla ..read more
Visit website
Producer agreements: the basics
Lawdit Music Blog
by Sena Tokel
3M ago
A producer agreement is a legal contract between a producer and another party, typically within the context of the entertainment industry. A producer agreement outline the terms and conditions of the working relationship between the producer and the content creator/ artists. What are producers agreements used for? Producers in various industries, such as music, film, television, and even manufacturing, use producer agreements to establish the rights, responsibilities, and expectations of both parties. The specific details and clauses within a producer agreement can vary significantly depending ..read more
Visit website

Follow Lawdit Music Blog on FeedSpot

Continue with Google
Continue with Apple
OR