The record industry is based on copyright, so it’s a very important subject to know about!
When you write a song, or make a record, you are creating copyright work. The owner of the copyright work is able to either licence (rent) or assign (sell) their rights to other businesses who will commercially exploit that work.
It is the rental or sale of copyright works that makes money.
If you are the original owner of a copyright work (for example if you are the songwriter) you are entitled you to the payment of royalties.
What is copyright?
Copyright is a proprietary right given to the creator of an original literary, dramatic, musical or artistic work. Copyright is also granted to the creator of original sound recordings, films, broadcasts, cable programmes and typographical arrangements. Of the nine different types of copyright, the three most relevant to you as a musician are
(i) Literary works (i.e. the lyrics of a song)
(ii) Musical works (i.e. the music itself)
(ii) Sound recordings (i.e. the Master)
Copyright exists as soon as it is set down in a material form i.e. written down on paper or recorded onto tape. Some countries such as the USA offer greater copyright protection if the song is registered, however in the UK there are no formal registration requirements.
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