1.) Reproducing music in CD/DVD/Blue ray/Cassette tape, etc for sale.
2.) Reproducing music in CD/DVD/Blue ray/Cassette tape for personal use.
3.) Replicating music in Karaoke or videoke machines.
4.) Replicating music in other physical forms such as in video cassette/video tape.
5.) Reproduction of music in film strips for sale.
6.) Duplicating music for the use of toys, gadgets, cell phone ringing tone , etc.

When do you apply for a music reproduction license?

1.) You need to apply if you are using copyrighted music in your projects whether it is a commercial or non-commercial application.

2.) You need to get a license from the music publisher if your music projects falls in either of the 6 categorical applications for the license (see list above)

What is not included in the music reproduction license?

Another name of music reproduction license is called “mechanical” license (Read: “What is a mechanical license agreement” ). This right only allows you to “reproduce” copyrighted music in different forms (see the 6 application list above) but NOT including:

a.) The right to publicly perform or broadcast the music. If you are planning to reproduce music in videos and you showcase them like in a public shopping mall; then you need to get a separate “public performance” license for that.

b.) The right to synchorize the music with the video. Since this right only allows you to reproduce copies of music in physical forms, if you are synchronizing the music with a film (like in a movie sound track). You need to get a separate synchronization license from the music publisher.

c.) The right to exploit the musical lyrics and notes in a commercial material (like in a magazine). You need to get a separate permission from the music publisher granting you to re-publish the lyrics and musical notes in your magazine.

What is included in the license?

Depending on the licensing requirements, most music reproduction license should have the following elements:

a.)The number of copies allowed. It needs a fixed figure like allowing you to replicate 1,000,000 copies of that music in CD.

b.) The payment procedure of mechanical licensing fee. If the music publisher asked you for a licensing fee. The payment procedure should be stated in the license, like you need to pay the amount to the Harry Fox agency or let other third party agencies to collect it. Depending on the application, the music publisher may not be asking for a licensing fee (such as for personal and educational use).

c.) The music title included in the license. What songs are included in the license? Is it limited only to the 12 selected songs or to the entire catalog.

d.) Scope and territory – Does it allow you to sale the reproduced copies in a world wide scale or just limited to a certain geographical location?

e.) Duration of the license – is it limited to the life of the copyright? Or just the first 20 years?

How to get this license?

The following are the procedure of getting this license: