How to Avoid 3rd Party Copyright Infringements on my Account?

2 min read

Cover versions and remixes that use 3rd party sound recordings must be licensed by the copyright owners. DSPs expect you to verify that all sound recordings are properly licensed before distribution.

DSPs actively track and remove unauthorized versions. Here's what you need to know about distributing remixes.

EXAMPLES OF VERSIONS THAT NEED TO BE LICENSED:

Sped-up/slowed-down versions
Reverbed, lofi and distorted versions
TikTok versions
Mashup versions
Remix, edit, or any kind of version that is different from the original one
Cover versions (unless they are only distributed to Apple & Spotify and exclusively for the US — this case is now covered by the MLC's mandate)

WHAT LICENSE IS NEEDED TO DISTRIBUTE 3RD PARTY MATERIAL?

When an artist creates a version of someone else's song, they need the following licenses from its owners/exclusive licensors:

Master recording license (if any part of the original recording is used — regardless of duration)
Publishing license for the use of the lyrics/composition (such as in a cover version)
Mechanical license for the right to duplicate the song (for streaming and downloads)

Note: in many cases, the record label that owns the original song can cover all the above licenses.

HOW TO AVOID COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT ON MY ACCOUNT?

Communicate with your clients and make sure they understand this issue
Thoroughly review the content you distribute
Review top-performing content to ensure it is completely original or properly licensed
Look specifically for track title or version names such as:
- Sped up / Slowed down
- Lofi
- Reverbed
- Artist name A X artist name B
- TikTok
- Mashup
- Remix
- Cover

POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR DISTRIBUTING UNLICENSED CONTENT:

Prevention of payment by Hitskope/DSPs for infringing content
Disabled distribution for the client and/or their end users
Takedown of infringing content by Hitskope/DSPs
Termination of the client's and/or their end user's account