Music portal launch

[Annie Starks]

Hey everybody,

I'm gonna launch an online music portal, but worried about music I will embed there. Actually it is all about copyright.
Has anybody dealt with it?

 

[fisicx]

It's all about copyright.

Without permission you are liable for all sorts of penalties.

 

[The Byre]

How much do you know about music copyright? (This thread could prove amusing!)

 

[paulears]

First stop is the PRS for music website. All your questions are covered there, and there are many ways to make sure you are doing it correctly. My own download site, which makes a bib or two from specially composed music for specific purposes takes a fair amount of time to administer - and in my case, copyright belongs to me, but registering the music with PRS and PPL, so any additional plays get some income is a b it long winded - getting the codes, numbers and other stuff to embed in the music.

If you are going to allow downloading or streaming, you might get a shock when you discover how much clearance of other people's music actually costs. Even hosting can be tricky because the hosting companies can be very wary of music downloads, so may want assurances you have dealt with rights.

 

[Annie Starks]

How much do you know about music copyright? (This thread could prove amusing!)

Nothing. That's why I am asking if anybody has any experience. (hope my answer will "prove amusing!" for you

 

[Annie Starks]

Actually, I have already bought a wp music theme here and only then my client started to worry about copyright stuff.

 

[The Byre]

In which case, you should outline what form your music portal takes.

If it is merely for copyright holders (all those bedroom warriors making music at home) to post their latest tootlings (same as YouTube, etc., etc.) and you police it properly, you're OK and good to go.

If on the other hand, people are allowed to post stuff (or even link to outside storage of same) that is under copyright by others, you are committing a criminal offence in some jurisdictions and open to litigation in nearly all jurisdictions. For that reason YouTube and all the others police their sites and all have installed software that recognises published material.

 

[domainguy]

Have you created a business plan? besides copyright costs i'd reckon you'll need very deep pockets to market this unless you have a USP?

edit - You said you were launching then referred to your client?

 

[The Byre]

Just to dot the teas and cross the eyes, music copyright is divided into two broad sections -

1. Intellectual. This is words and/or music, plus any other essential contributing parts, such as a key arrangement that 'signifies and identifies' the work.

2. Mechanical. This is the noises recorded in the studio. The actual sound of the finished work.

In the UK, you can use other people's intellectual rights, in so far as you clear that usage with the relevant body (MCPS) and/or the owner. You may not use the mechanical in whole or part without the permission of the copyright owner.