Managing Partner
In the fast-paced world of NYC’s music industry, ensuring your music is properly licensed is essential for protecting your work and generating income. Whether you’re a songwriter, producer, or performer, each use of your music—whether live, recorded, or distributed online—requires specific licensing to ensure legal compliance and proper royalty collection. Knowing the ins and outs of these licenses is key to staying ahead and making sure your creative efforts are rewarded fairly.
Types of Music Licenses: What You Need and When
When it comes to protecting your music and ensuring you’re compensated for its use, different types of licenses cover various aspects of music distribution and performance. Here’s a breakdown of the key types of music licenses and when you’ll need them:
- Performance License: This license is required when your music is played publicly, whether at a live concert, on the radio, or in a public space like a restaurant. Performing Rights Organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC issue these licenses.
- Mechanical License: If your music is reproduced or distributed (e.g., on CDs, vinyl, or digital downloads), a mechanical license is necessary. This includes streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
- Synchronization (Sync) License: This license is required when your music is used in visual media, such as TV shows, films, commercials, or YouTube videos.
- Print License: This covers the reproduction of sheet music, essential for musicians or companies selling or distributing printed versions of your songs.
How to Obtain a Music License in NYC
Obtaining a music license in NYC involves several steps, depending on the type of license you need. Here’s a general overview:
- Performance License: For public performances of your music, you’ll need to work with a Performing Rights Organization such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. These organizations issue licenses to venues and broadcasters, ensuring you receive royalties when your music is played publicly.
- Mechanical License: When distributing music via physical or digital formats, platforms like Harry Fox Agency (HFA) or Music Reports handle mechanical licenses, which cover the reproduction of your music for sale or streaming.
- Sync License: To license your music for use in films, TV, or commercials, you can negotiate directly with production companies or use a third-party licensing company. This allows your music to be paired with visual content.
- Print License: For sheet music, you can secure a print license through publishers or platforms that specialize in music distribution.
How to Protect Your Music from Unauthorized Use
Protecting your music from unauthorized use is essential to safeguarding your creative rights and ensuring fair compensation. Start by registering your songs with a PRO. This ensures you receive royalties when your music is publicly performed or broadcast. Additionally, securing proper copyrights for your work under U.S. copyright law provides legal protection, allowing you to take action if someone uses your music without permission.
Monitoring your music’s usage is another key step. Use digital tools to track where your music is played online, such as on streaming platforms, and in public venues. If you discover unauthorized use, you have the right to pursue legal action to stop further infringement and recover damages.
Why Legal Support Can Make a Difference
Legal support from Kent, Beatty & Gordon, LLP can make a significant difference when it comes to protecting your music and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Music licensing can be complex, with various types of agreements, royalties, and rights to navigate. We help you avoid common pitfalls, such as improperly negotiated contracts or missed royalties, and ensure all necessary licenses are in place for public performances, digital distribution, and synchronization. With our assistance, you can focus on your music while we handle the legal complexities, safeguarding your creative rights and income.
Contact an Experienced NYC Music License Attorney
Kent, Beatty & Gordon, LLP provides personalized guidance on all aspects of music licensing, from securing rights to negotiating contracts. Let us help protect your music and maximize your earnings. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.