There are several types of music licences:

1. Synchronization Licence – this is a licence that is necessary when using music in an audiovisual work such as a film or social media reel. When Universal Music Group temporarily removed their songs from TikTok in February 2024, this was the type of licence that was at issue.

2. Master Licence – this type of licence is granted for any use of a sound recording, including making songs available on a streaming service or using songs in an audiovisual work. Note, a sync licence will also be needed if using the song in an audiovisual work.

3. Mechanical Licence – if you record a cover song, you need this type of licence. This licence grants permission to use the underlying copyright works in a song, that is, the lyrics and melody. This licence was traditionally associated with the production of CDs, hence the name. If you are licensing music for streaming purposes, you will need a master licence for the sound recording and a mechanical licence for the underlying copyright works.

4. Public Performance Licence – when music is played in a public place such as a bar or shop, or in an event, this type of licence is necessary. The public performance licence is usually a blanket licence covering the entire catalogue of a collective management organisation. As such, you will see stickers from COTT and/or TTCO in Trinidad and Tobago, signalling that the entity has paid for their public performance licence.

In addition to identifying the correct types of licence(s) needed, it is important that your licence terms such as warranties, indemnities, duration, dispute resolution etc are properly negotiated. In addition to our wealth of experience, Clover® has received formal training in intellectual property contract drafting from the UCL Institute of Brand and Innovation Law. Our modern approach to contract drafting focuses on clear, simple language. Clover® is Making IP Accessible®. Contact us for your next music deal.

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