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We have added more information regarding music licensing for your review.
Copyrighted Can Be Easily Misunderstood
Copyright grants creators of original works various rights under the law. Organizations such as BMI, ASCAP, SESAC in the U.S., and SOCAN in Canada help monitor and collect royalties for musical composers, artists, and producers. These organizations focus on performance rights only, while other rights are managed by copyright owners or different organizations.
COPYRIGHT
reproduction allows the work to be copied or modified
synchronization Enhance your work with music, visuals, and voiceovers for TV shows and films.
performing allows the work to be performed in public or electronically communicated
Reproduction and Performance Are Different Parts Of Copyright
What Constitutes A Performance?
Did you know that musicians and creators have the right to be paid when their music is played in public? Whether it’s on the radio, a speaker system, or as hold music, businesses must ensure they are using copyrighted music responsibly. Stay informed and avoid any legal issues by understanding your responsibilities.
What Is Included In Reproduction Rights?
DVD warning: Don’t copy! Copyright law protects movies and music. You may own the physical disc, but not the content. Copying is a serious crime.
Copyright Laws: Playing music for others over a phone system may require a license, especially if the music is copyrighted. You may need to obtain a public performance license from organizations like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, depending on your region.
Copyright And Music On-Hold
Where Does My On-Hold Company Get Its Music?
Typically, creators of music for use by on-hold companies are independent music production firms making backgrounds for a variety of uses. AD-HOLD has a specific music license to broadcast for On-Hold and other specific uses.
Music On-Hold Companies Are Assigned Some, But Not All Rights
Music creators for on-hold use can grant rights for synchronization, reproduction, or both to a music on hold company. Contracts with recording studios may specify limitations like requiring the work to be used with another element like a voiceover. Some producers may allow their work to be resold or renamed, transferring some copyright ownership to the on-hold company. This arrangement permits studio manipulation of the tracks but does not include performance rights at businesses.
Licensing
What Is A Music License?
The term license can be confusing. A TV station or radio station is licensed by the FCC (U.S. Federal Communications Commission) and CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission). When you re-broadcast a radio station over your telephone hold system, or play music to callers on hold, you are not required to obtain a license from a federal licensing organization.
Is Music Licensing Needed For Music On Hold?
Any establishment that wants to play music publicly, whether over the phone (on-hold), in their lobby or other public space is required to obtain some form of licensing.