Licence – A music licence is a legal authorisation granted by the rights owner (songwriter, composer, artist, music publisher, etc), to distribute, use and exploit a copyrighted song or piece of music. It allows the licensee (typically a producer, filmmaker, advertiser, etc.) to use the music in various media productions such as advertisements, films, TV shows, and videos. This permission is granted in exchange for a fee known as a licence fee. Collective Management Organisations are also able to issue licences for works registered under them. The types of licences they can issue vary by country.
There are many different types of licenses, below are six common ones:
- Synchronisation licence: allows the music to be synchronised with visual media. Typically issued by the rightsholders, however in some countries, it may be issued by the local Collective Management Organisation for certain mediums.
- Mechanical licence: Permits the reproduction and distribution of the musical composition (e.g., for CDs, digital downloads). Typically issued by a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) or Performing Rights Organisation (PRO).
- Master licence: Grants permission to use a specific recording of a song.
- Public performance licence: Covers the public performance of the music, such as in concerts, broadcasts, or background music in public places. Typically issued by a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) or Performance Rights Organisation (PRO).
- Print rights licence: Allows the printing and distribution of sheet music or lyrics.
- Theatrical licence: Permits the use of music in live theatrical performances.
