THIS SECTION CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION!! WE CANNOT COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION UNTIL THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE MET!!
Understanding the laws that govern the use and reproduction of copyrighted materials can be challenging. Start by reviewing the information below and determine which of them apply to your music. Then follow the instructions.
Did you use someone else's composition?
If the rights to the recording on your master belong to another party, we'll ask you to provide us with a copy of the contract that authorizes you to reproduce their recording. The general rule is that any time you use copyrighted materials (whole or in part) in your audio recording, you must first obtain written permission from the copyright owner. The vast majority of requests for Master Use Licenses are sent to a record label for consideration. This license will allow you to use the actual musical composition, or sound master recording. If you are sampling or using (whole or in part) any recorded sound that is copyrighted, you will also need to secure a Master Use License. A copyright attorney or similar fee-based service agency can help you do this, or you can contact the copyright owner directly. In both cases, this is a required step! You and the performings artists (for each track) must sign our MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT form before we can begin. This form is also required for all registrations placed with Muzik Meka and our manufacturer by a third-party.
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Did you use samples or any audio source material in your recording?
There are several misconceptions about sampling. Don't make the mistake of getting all the way to your final master before you start to inquire about what clearances you need. Ignoring or overlooking this important step can cost you time and money. Licenses needed for sampled material include: You must have permission from the sound recording copyright owner (typically this is the film or TV production company). They will issue you a Master Use License. A Master Use License (also called a Master Recording License, or Sound Master License) is written authorization from the copyright owner to use their existing recorded material. This includes vocals, music, recognizable melodic and/or beat patterns, TV/movie dialog, spoken dialog, speeches, and sound effects. The most common example of this is when existing copyrighted material is sampled (whole or in part) and included in new recordings. This also applies to compilation recordings that feature original artists. You also need a Mechanical License to manufacture and distribute the material. A Mechanical License is written authorization from the publisher to manufacture and distribute a record, CD, or audio tape for a specific copyrighted musical composition. This is used for an audio-only recording, such as a compact disc, audio tape, or phonograph record. A mechanical license does not include lyric reprinting or sheet music, or use of previously recorded or sampled material. For these rights, you must contact the copyright owner directly.
Did you record your own material?
Any song that you write is your property, but sometimes that can be difficult to prove in court. We strongly advise that you copyright your original material. In most cases it will be Form PA (Performing Arts), and/or Form SR (Sound Recording).
Once it is officially copyrighted, no one will be able to record your songs without your permission. Anyone who wants to record your music will have to pay you for the right to use it unless another agreement has been made. You must complete an INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS form along with your registration.
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Need help obtaining a MECHANICAL LICENSE?
Once you know who owns the copyright, you can contact that party directly (typically ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC) and negotiate the rate you will pay to use the material. If you don't want to negotiate the terms yourself, here's an authorized agent specializing in these services
Harry Fox Agency
What if I did use somone else's material?
Whether you've used a sample, an audio source or a comlete composition, ROYALTY FEES must be paid. Generally you pay these fees upfront but there may be continuous fees based on sales (check with the applicable agency for verification). If so, this fee will be deducted from YOUR share of the profits and paid to the appropriate agency. For more info on licenses
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What if I'm selected?
Immediately upon notification you will need to provide us the following completed documents and material: NON-EXCLUSIVE LICENSING AGREEMENT, MANUFACTURING AGREEMENT, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS form, MECHANICAL USE LICENSE (for the use of someone else's material), MECHANICAL USE LICENSE (auhtorizing us to use your material if it has been copyrighted), and the AUDIO MASTER and the actual length for the selected song.
In what format do you accept audio masters?
We can accept your master on one of the following formats: PMCD master (pre-mastered CD) - CD-R master or Digital Audio Tape (DAT). If you must send it in another format
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Where on the CD will my song be placed?
1st come 1st served. If you are the first to send in ALL the required paper work, music and payment, you are first on the CD. It will then go in the order which we receive the required materials .
How long can my song be?
There is no set time. Each of our CD projects differ and the nummber of artists/bands we decide to feature on each CD project changes. If you have been selected and have not been notified on this matter, let us know ASAP to avoid delays.
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Where can I get a copy of the copyright forms?
From the U.S. Copyright office. Download, complete, and submit the appropriate copyright registration forms. Include a CD or tape recording of the songs you want to copyright. Submit a lyric sheet of the songs.
Include your filing fee payment. (Please check their website or call (202) 707-3000 for the latest fee information.) In two to three weeks, you will receive written confirmation that your intellectual property has been copyrighted. Now you can become affiliated with a music licensing company that will track the usage of your music, and will assist you in collecting royalty payments.
U.S. Copyright Office
