Music law and copyright: What musicians need to know
Understanding music law and copyright is crucial for any musician who wants to protect their work and make a living from their art. In this fast-paced digital era, the laws can be confusing. In this post, we clarify the basics of music law and copyright and offer practical tips to ensure your music is protected.
- Copyright basics: Find out what copyright means, which works are protected and how you can register your copyright. Understanding these basics is the first step to protecting your music.
- Collecting societies: Collecting societies such as GEMA in Germany or ASCAP and BMI in the USA collect license fees for the use of your music. We explain how you become a member and what you can expect from membership.
- Licensing and Dubbing: Licensing your music for films, TV, advertising or video games can be an important source of income. We’ll show you how synchronization deals work and how to offer your music for such occasions.
- Dealing with copyright infringement: What to do if someone uses your music without permission? Learn how to recognize and take action against copyright infringement.
- Digital rights and streaming: The digital landscape is constantly changing. We cover what you need to know about streaming services, digital rights management (DRM) and online music distribution.
Conclusion: A solid understanding of music law and copyright not only protects your creative work, but also opens up new sources of income. By knowing your rights and being proactive, you can ensure that your music is used only as you intended.
